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Pakistan Hikes Jet Fuel Price 5th Time in 28 Days, Airfares Soar

Pakistan has increased the price of jet fuel for commercial aircraft for the fifth time in just 28 days, pushing it to a record high. The cumulative increase since March 1 amounts to PKR 288 per litre, driven by volatile global energy markets linked to the West Asia conflict. Airlines have responded by sharply raising ticket prices, with domestic "chance seat" tickets up by 150% and international economy fares also seeing significant hikes. The broader fuel price increases are intensifying inflationary pressures, raising the cost of transport and daily necessities.

Key Points: Pakistan Jet Fuel Price Hits Record High, Airfares Spike

  • Fifth price hike in 28 days
  • Domestic fares up 150% on some routes
  • Jet fuel cost up PKR 288/litre since March 1
  • International economy fares also surge sharply
2 min read

Pakistan hikes jet fuel for 5th time in 28 days amid West Asia conflict

Pakistan raises jet fuel price for the 5th time in 28 days, pushing airfares up 150% on some domestic routes amid West Asia conflict.

"The latest hike of PKR 5 per litre took jet fuel to a record PKR 476.97 per litre. - The Express Tribune"

Islamabad, March 29

The Government of Pakistan on Saturday raised the price of jet fuel for commercial passenger aircraft for the fifth time in just 28 days, attributing the sharp increase to the ongoing oil crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, The Express Tribune reported.

According to The Express Tribune, citing a statement, Pakistan State Oil said the latest hike of PKR 5 per litre took jet fuel to a record PKR 476.97 per litre. Since March 1, the price has surged by PKR 288 per litre, up from PKR 188 at the beginning of the month amid volatile global energy markets.

The surge in aviation fuel costs has already prompted airlines to raise ticket prices, officials and industry sources said, pointing to a shortage of jet fuel and limited oil reserves as key factors driving the increases.

Industry experts warned that higher jet fuel prices would further inflate operating costs for carriers, likely resulting in additional hikes in passenger fares, The Express Tribune reported.

Domestic one-way fares on major routes such as Karachi-Islamabad and Karachi-Lahore are reportedly reaching up to PKR 40,000, with "chance seat" tickets climbing by as much as 150 per cent, The Express Tribune reported.

International economy class fares to destinations including the Middle East, Toronto, Paris and Manchester have also risen sharply, ranging between approximately PKR 300,000 and PKR 700,000.

The jet fuel price escalation comes alongside other fuel tax changes, including a PKR 200 per litre increase in the fuel levy on high-octane petrol used in luxury vehicles, adding to inflationary pressures, The Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan's broader fuel price hikes, coupled with rising diesel and petrol costs earlier this month, have intensified the cost of living, pushing up transport fares and prices for daily necessities such as fruits and vegetables.

Reports of disputes at petrol pumps, where attendants allegedly refused to dispense fuel in quantities less than one litre, have also emerged amid the cost pressures.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
PKR 40,000 for a domestic flight? That's insane! It shows how badly the common person gets hit by these crises. My heart goes out to the average Pakistani family trying to make ends meet. Inflation is a global monster right now.
A
Aditya G
Fifth hike in 28 days! This is more than just the West Asia conflict. It points to deeper economic management issues. We've seen fuel price volatility in India too, but such frequent, sharp jumps indicate a lack of planning and reserve management. A tough lesson for all economies dependent on imports.
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Priyanka N
It's the ordinary people who suffer the most. Fruits and vegetables getting costlier because of transport... this domino effect is brutal. Hope the situation stabilizes for our neighbors. No one should have to choose between food and travel.
M
Michael C
From an aviation industry perspective, this is a nightmare. Airlines everywhere are struggling. It will definitely impact travel and tourism in the region. Might see more people opting for trains and buses, which puts its own pressure on those systems.
K
Kavya N
While the article cites the conflict, one has to wonder about the efficiency of the state oil company. Five hikes in less than a month shows reactive, not proactive, policy. It's a tough situation, but management matters. Hope they find a way to cushion the blow for citizens soon.

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