The ongoing war in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump’s announcement of further airstrikes on Iran have led to a significant increase in crude oil prices. Brent crude rose by 6% to reach $107 per barrel, while American crude oil was sold at $110. Meanwhile, a downward trend is observed in Asian stock markets, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) 100-index falling to 1,52,011 points from 1,55,301 points. The South Korean Kospi index saw a decline of over 4%, while Japan’s Nikkei index fell by more than 2%. Consumers claim that a kilogram of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is being sold at a price exceeding the government-set rate by 200 rupees. The LPG price has reached Rs. 530 per kilogram in various districts.
The PSX 100-index fell by 1308 points to 150,398 in the previous business week. Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Petroleum Pump Association, Noman Butt, expressed concern over the increase in petroleum products prices. The Federal Bureau of Statistics released a weekly report on inflation. The prices of gold rose in markets across Pakistan. Following the increase in fuel prices, there is a high likelihood of an increase in airline fares. The Power Division has revealed details of the three-month extension of the government’s power package, stating that industrial and agricultural sectors used 23% additional electricity during December 2025 to February 2026. Chairman of the Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association has called for the immediate rollback of diesel price hike. According to statistics, exports declined by 8% during July to March. The State Bank of Pakistan has made a significant decision to strengthen the country’s youth financially. The prices of gold in markets across Pakistan have reversed gear. The ongoing war in the Middle East has led to a significant increase in global trade costs due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The British magazine, The Economist, has published a list of countries facing extreme consequences due to the Middle East conflict and the resulting global oil crisis. A crucial meeting was held at the Karachi port regarding the removal of old containers. The US, Israel, and Iran have incurred a loss of $120 billion in the United Arab Emirates’ markets during the war. Iran was given 10 days to agree to a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz, and 48 hours remain: US President. Following American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, Russia’s state-owned nuclear company has removed an additional 198 personnel from the plant. A writer has noted that Pakistan has maintained relations with China, with US President Trump preferring Pakistani Field Marshal as a mediator, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces a diplomatic setback. According to news agency reports, Hamida Sulemani and her daughter have been arrested after their green card was revoked. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has claimed to have successfully targeted an Israeli ship using a drone. The commander of the Gerald Ford has said that they did not have the courage to pass through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait due to the fear of Yemeni heroes and steadfast people: General Qaani.
