Pakistan’s gold market has seen a significant increase in prices, with the rate for one tola of gold rising by Rs. 3,400 to Rs. 4,90,362. The All Pakistan Jewellers and Goldsmiths Association reported that the price of 10 grams of gold has increased by Rs. 2,915 to Rs. 4,20,406. This significant rise in gold prices is attributed to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a substantial increase in global trade costs.
The recent surge in oil prices has also contributed to the hike in gold prices, with a kilogram of LPG being sold at Rs. 530 in the market, an increase of Rs. 200 from the government-set price. The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) index fell by 1,308 points in the last business week, reaching 150,398.
Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Association, Noman Butt, expressed concerns about the increase in petroleum product prices. The Federal Bureau of Statistics has released its weekly report on inflation, which shows that the prices of petroleum products have increased significantly.
The recent rise in fuel prices has also led to an increase in airline fares, making air travel more expensive for passengers. The Power Division has revealed that the industrial and agricultural sectors have consumed 23% more electricity during the period from December 2025 to February 2026.
Chairman of the Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association stated that the government should immediately reverse the increase in diesel prices. According to data, exports have decreased by 8% during the period from July to March. The State Bank of Pakistan has announced a major decision to strengthen the country’s youth financially.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has had a significant impact on global trade, with the United Arab Emirates’ markets suffering a loss of $120 billion. The US, Israel, and Iran have been involved in a conflict, which has resulted in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. American President Joe Biden has announced that Iran has been given 48 hours to comply with the deal or open the Strait of Hormuz.
In a separate development, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, has evacuated 198 more staff members from the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, following a US and Israeli missile attack. The writer has noted that Pakistan has maintained its relations with China, with American President Donald Trump preferring to use Pakistan’s Field Marshal as a mediator, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced a diplomatic defeat.
According to news agency reports, Hamida Sulemani and her daughter have been arrested after their green cards were revoked. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have successfully targeted an Israeli ship using a drone. The commander of the US Navy’s Gerald R. Ford has stated that the Yemeni heroes and steadfast people are too afraid to pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
