Long queues formed at petrol stations across Pakistan as motorists and shopkeepers rushed to fill tanks and jerrycans ahead of an expected government announcement to raise fuel prices. The surge of buying came after officials warned that volatility from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran was putting upward pressure on global oil markets — a factor that could push domestic pump prices higher.
Scenes of congested forecourts and long waits at major city stations were reported within hours of the warnings. Retailers and consumers said they were topping up out of concern future supplies would be harder to secure or more expensive. Fuel station attendants described steady, heavy demand through the morning, with some outlets briefly unable to handle the rush without additional staff.
Government sources and energy officials said the country imports most of its refined petroleum products and is sensitive to international price swings and supply disruptions. They signaled an imminent revision of retail fuel prices, citing global market pressures linked to the region’s hostilities. Officials urged calm and asked consumers to avoid panic buying, while noting that routine deliveries and supply chains remained operational at present.
Economists and industry analysts warned that even short-lived spikes in demand can cause localized shortages and raise transport and living costs, feeding into broader inflation. They advised policymakers to communicate clearly about any price changes and consider measures to protect vulnerable households.
NewsFeed — 7 March 2026