Fuel Hike Makes Life-Saving Drugs Costly in Pakistan

April 22, 2026

Peshawar [Pakistan], April 22: A steep rise in petroleum prices is sending shockwaves across Pakistan’s economy, significantly inflating the cost of essential goods, including critical medicines, and intensifying financial pressure on vulnerable households. The cascading effect of fuel inflation has made healthcare increasingly unaffordable for many citizens, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Cancer drugs and pregnancy-related medicines have reportedly risen by around PKR 400, further aggravating the crisis.

Zafar Ali, a Peshawar resident living with diabetes, described the situation as unsustainable. Earning PKR 40,000 a month, he said he can no longer afford insulin, which now costs nearly PKR 4,000.

He pointed out that many pharmacies fail to display official price lists, while some operate without valid licenses, reflecting weak regulatory enforcement. He urged authorities to empower the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, increase inspections and penalise violators.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Chief Drug Controller Abbas Khan clarified that drug pricing is determined at the federal level under existing laws, while provinces are tasked with enforcement, as reported by The Express Tribune.