What happened
The federal government raised the ex-depot prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs14.92 and Rs15 per litre respectively, according to a Petroleum Division press release reported by The Nation on 9 May 2026.
Petrol rose to Rs414.78 per litre from Rs399.86, while HSD rose to Rs414.58 from Rs399.58. The report said the revised prices were set for the week starting 9 May 2026 and would take effect from Saturday until the next revision.
Kerosene oil was reduced by Rs41.80 per litre to Rs318.96 from Rs360.76, the report said.
Why it matters
The latest increase pushed both main transport fuels to roughly Rs415 per litre. According to the report, petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers, while HSD is used chiefly in the heavy transport sector, so the revision affects both household travel and freight costs.
Recent price moves
The revision followed a week of sharp swings. The report said the government had raised petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs6.51 and Rs19.39 per litre the previous week, a day ahead of the scheduled review, in a step it linked to curbing panic buying. On 24 April, prices of both fuels were increased by Rs26.77 per litre each.
The report also recalled the 6 March 2026 increase of Rs55 per litre, after which petrol stood at Rs321.17 and HSD at Rs335.86 per litre, and an earlier revision on 2 April that had briefly lifted prices to record levels before the government cut the petroleum levy on petrol by Rs80 per litre.
Sources & reporting notes
This is a summary of published material, not independent reporting. Source reviewed on 2026-05-09.
- The Nation — "Petrol, diesel hit Rs415 per litre"9 May 2026 · Reports the Petroleum Division's ex-depot price revision, the new petrol, diesel and kerosene rates and recent weekly price changes.
