Pakistan Faces Record Fuel Prices Amid War

0:00Pakistanis are dealing with massive fuel price hikes that hit record levels Friday, with petrol and diesel jumping up to 54 percent. That's thanks to the war in the Middle East pushing global oil prices sky high. Petrol specifically rose 137 rupees per liter, about 49 cents, adding even more strain on folks already hit by high, inflation. Government officials called it unavoidable, lining up with worldwide market shifts after 20 percent bump just last month. They're talking subsidies for motorcyclists, who make up 78 percent of vehicles on the road, since bikes are the cheapest way to get around. Meanwhile, public transport in Islamabad goes free for 30 days, starting Saturday, with the interior ministry footing the fuel bill. People are feeling the pinch hard, bracing for steeper food and living costs that ripple through everything. Commuters share frustration, saying life was tough enough without this war hitting their pilots. Major cities saw quiet fuel stations and lighter traffic as many stayed home, unable or unwilling

1:02to pay up. Pakistan's switching to alternate oil routes, since the straight of Hormuz shut down, and Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif says regional chaos is hammering the shaky economy. The government's pushing diplomacy, even offering Islamabad as a spot for peace talks, though nothing's set yet. Economists warn lower income families will hurt most until global prices cool off. Though households are tightening belts while watching for any relief on, the horizon. This has been Canada News Today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.