For millions of households already burdened by Ramazan inflation, the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices has added further hardship at a particularly difficult time. Introduced only weeks before Eid, the fuel price hike has quickly affected the wider economy, increasing financial pressure on low- and middle-income families. In a country like Pakistan, where the economy depends heavily on imports, fuel prices influence nearly every sector. The most immediate effect has been seen in transport fares, which rose soon after the announcement. For people who depend on public transport or motorcycles for daily travel, this means a direct rise in living costs. At the same time, higher transport expenses are also pushing up the prices of food and other essential household items, making the situation even more difficult during Ramazan.
The timing of the increase has deepened public frustration. Ramazan is usually seen as a period when governments are expected to offer relief on essential goods, yet many families are instead facing a fresh economic shock just as they prepare for Eid-related expenses. The burden falls most heavily on daily wage earners and gig workers, whose incomes are already limited and uncertain. For many of them, even a small rise in transport or fuel costs takes away a significant portion of their earnings, forcing them to reduce spending on basic needs. While the government may have little control over global oil prices and faces genuine fiscal pressures, the decision could have been softened through better timing and limited relief measures. A reduction in the petroleum levy, for example, might have helped lessen the inflationary impact on ordinary citizens.
