On February 16, 2026, the Pakistani government implemented a significant increase in fuel prices, raising petrol by Rs5 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.32 per litre, bringing the new prices to Rs258.17 and Rs275.70 respectively. This decision, criticized by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was described by spokesperson Shazia Marri as a "petrol bomb" dropped on the public just before Ramazan, highlighting the adverse effects on the economically vulnerable. Marri stated, "The government should have focused on providing relief to inflation-hit citizens instead of imposing additional financial burdens," emphasizing that the price hikes would exacerbate the struggles of the poor and middle class amidst record inflation. The increase is expected to further inflate transportation costs and food prices, which are already under pressure due to previous hikes and economic conditions.