India Managing Fuel Crisis Better Than Neighbours, Says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke in the Rajya Sabha about the fuel and power situation in neighbouring countries while comparing it with India.

She said that Pakistan has sharply increased fuel prices overnight. High-octane fuel prices have reportedly gone up by 200 per cent. Petrol and diesel prices have increased by around 20 per cent. Petrol is now being sold at 321 Pakistani rupees per litre.

According to media reports, smart lockdowns have been announced in Sindh province to conserve fuel. Movement, gatherings, and public events are being restricted. Schools have been shut for two weeks. Government offices are working four days a week, and private offices have been told to allow 50 per cent of staff to work from home.

She added that rumours about a nationwide lockdown are being spread in Pakistan, which she described as fear-mongering. Markets and shopping centres are required to close by 9:30 pm.

Speaking about Bangladesh, she said that all universities have been shut and shifted to online classes due to electricity shortages. Dhaka is facing five-hour rotational power cuts for domestic consumers. Several fuel stations across the city have reportedly been closed because of shortages of octane and diesel.

The Finance Minister said the global situation remains difficult, but India is managing its resources in a way that citizens do not face hardship.

She pointed out that fuel prices in India have remained stable. While Pakistan has seen price hikes between 20 per cent and 200 per cent, and Bangladesh has rationed fuel supplies by 10 to 15 per cent, India has reduced excise duty by Rs. 10 per litre. She said neither Pakistan nor Bangladesh has responded.

Sitharaman said India has maintained stability among neighbouring countries and is following the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in handling the situation.

What is happening in Pakistan? 200% hike on high octane fuel, 20% hike on petrol and diesel happened overnight. Petrol now is sold at 321 PKR a litre. Smart lockdowns announced in Sindh province, so that their fuel can be conserved. Restricting movement, gatherings and public… pic.twitter.com/xTzICYbojJ

— Nirmala Sitharaman Office (@nsitharamanoffc) March 27, 2026