Petrol Price in 1947 in Pakistan to 2025: A 78-Year Journey of Fuel Costs
The price of one liter of petrol in 1947 was only PKR 0.23, while in 2025 the price has reached PKR 255.86 per liter. This rise of more than 1100 times reflects inflation, shifts in global oil markets, taxation policies, and Pakistan’s economic challenges over the decades.
Petrol Price Timeline in Pakistan (1947–2025)
| Year | Petrol Price (PKR per Liter) |
|---|---|
| 1947 | 0.23 |
| 1950 | ~0.25 |
| 1965 | ~0.40 |
| 1972 | ~1.00 |
| 1981 | ~3.50 |
| 1991 | ~9.00 |
| 2000 | 28.23 |
| 2005 | ~55.00 |
| 2007 | ~60.00 |
| 2010 | ~70.00 |
| 2013 | 103.97 |
| 2015 | ~80.00 |
| 2018 | 80.70 |
| 2020 | ~100.00 |
| 2022 | ~200.00 |
| 2023 | 331.38 (peak, Sep 16) |
| 2024 | ~249.10 |
| 2025 | 255.86 (April) |
Historical Overview & Key Reasons
- 1947 – PKR 0.23: At independence, Pakistan’s economy was agriculture-based with very low fuel consumption and no major taxation on petroleum.
- 1950 – ~PKR 0.25: Stable global crude rates kept prices nearly unchanged.
- 1965 – ~PKR 0.40: Industrialization began, creating a moderate increase in demand.
- 1972 – ~PKR 1.00: The global OPEC oil crisis triggered inflationary pressure.
- 1981 – ~PKR 3.50: The second oil shock of 1979 and higher domestic taxes pushed prices upward.
- 1991 – ~PKR 9.00: The Gulf War led to major disruptions in global supply chains, triggering steep price increases.
- 2000 – PKR 28.23: Rising global prices, along with Pakistan’s increasing dependence on imports.
- 2005 – ~PKR 55.00: Post-9/11 oil boom and subsidy pressures pushed costs higher.
- 2007 – ~PKR 60.00: Record global oil values along with political instability.
- 2010 – ~PKR 70.00: The weakening rupee and recovery from the global financial crisis.
- 2013 – PKR 103.97: Prices crossed the PKR 100 mark due to global volatility and currency devaluation.
- 2015 – ~PKR 80.00: A crash in international crude brought temporary relief.
- 2018 – PKR 80.70: The rupee’s fall and global price hikes drove costs back up.
- 2020 – ~PKR 100.00: COVID-19 disruptions, Euro V fuel imports, and rising costs.
- 2022 – ~PKR 200.00: The Russia-Ukraine war and subsidy withdrawal caused a doubling in prices.
- 2023 – PKR 331.38: The highest-ever petrol price in Pakistan’s history, fueled by rupee collapse and heavy taxation.
- 2024 – ~PKR 249.10: Economic adjustments and strict taxation kept rates high despite some global ease.
- 2025 – PKR 255.86: Inflation, currency fluctuations, and global energy demand continue to drive costs upward.
Quick Insights on Petrol Prices in Pakistan
- Around 30–40% of today’s petrol fee includes government taxes (GST and petroleum levy).
- Pakistan is based closely on imported crude oil, because of this local expenses are tied to each worldwide markets and the rupee-dollar trade price.
- The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revises petrol prices each 15 days, primarily based on crude costs, taxes, and change quotes.
- Subsidies (visible in 2015 and for the duration of COVID-19) provided transient comfort but later led to sudden, steep hike.
