Published: March 1, 2026 | Category: OGRA Updates | Reading Time: 3 Minutes
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) issued two key notifications effective March 1, 2026, impacting millions of Pakistani consumers. While petrol and diesel prices increased due to escalating Middle East tensions following the US-Israel attack on Iran, LPG witnessed a marginal reduction driven by rupee appreciation .
This article summarizes the official OGRA updates for March 2026, helping you understand exactly what changed and why.
In response to global oil market volatility triggered by the US-Israel attack on Iran and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, OGRA recommended, and the government approved, a significant increase in petroleum product prices .
| Fuel Type | Previous Price | New Price (March 1-15) | Increase |
| Petrol | Rs 258.17 per litre | Rs 266.17 per litre | ▲ + Rs 8.00 |
| High-Speed Diesel (HSD) | Rs 275.70 per litre | Rs 280.86 per litre | ▲ + Rs 5.16 |
Why the increase?
Impact on consumers:
In contrast to petrol and diesel, OGRA announced a slight reduction in LPG prices for March 2026, effective from March 1 .
| Category | February 2026 | March 2026 | Change |
| Per Kilogram | Rs 226.05 | Rs 225.83 | ▼ -Rs 0.21 |
| 11.8 kg Domestic Cylinder | Rs 2,667.40 | Rs 2,664.88 | ▼ -Rs 2.52 |
| 45.4 kg Commercial Cylinder | Rs 10,262 | Rs 10,252 | ▼ -Rs 9.53 |
Why the reduction?
Important context: This is the first reduction after three consecutive monthly hikes:
Petroleum Division Notification (March 1, 2026)
“The government has revised the prices of petroleum products based on recommendations of OGRA. The new prices will remain in effect for the next fortnight starting March 1, 2026.”
OGRA LPG Notification (March 2, 2026)
The LPG producer price is linked with Saudi Aramco-CP and the US$ dollar exchange rate. As compared to previous month Saudi Aramco-CP has remained unchanged. The average Dollar exchange rate has however decreased by 0.11% resulting in a decrease in LPG consumer price by Rs.2.52/11.8 kg cylinder (0.09%).
| Product | March 1-15 Price | Change | |
| Petrol | Rs 266.17/litre | ▲ +Rs 8.00 | |
| Diesel (HSD) | Rs 280.86/litre | ▲ +Rs 5.16 | |
| LPG (11.8 kg cylinder) | Rs 2,664.88 | ▼ -Rs 2.52 | |
| LPG (per kg) | Rs 225.83 | ▼ -Rs 0.21 |
1. When did these OGRA updates take effect?
All updates became effective from March 1, 2026 . Petrol and diesel prices will remain in force until March 15, after which they will be reviewed again . LPG prices apply for the full month of March .
Petrol/diesel prices are directly linked to global oil markets, which surged due to the US-Israel attack on Iran and Strait of Hormuz tensions . LPG prices are linked to Saudi Aramco CP and dollar exchange rate with CP unchanged and rupee slightly stronger, a marginal decrease occurred .
3. Will petrol prices increase further in March?
Possibly. The government’s 19-member high-level committee is monitoring the situation daily. If global prices remain elevated or the Strait of Hormuz disruption continues, the next review (around March 15) may bring further increases .
4. Where can I check official OGRA notifications?
Visit OGRA’s official website (www.ogra.org.pk) or bookmark PetrolPricePakistan.com for simplified updates and price breakdowns.
5. How does diesel price increase affect me even if I don’t use diesel?
Diesel powers heavy transport (trucks, buses) and agriculture (tractors, tube-wells) . When diesel becomes expensive, freight charges rise, and food prices increase affecting every Pakistani consumer .
OGRA’s March 2026 updates reflect a divided trend:
For consumers, this means: