STORY: Soaring petrol prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran pushed Pakistan's food delivery riders to the brink on Friday (March 13), forcing many to skip meals and rely on charity to survive during Ramadan after their earnings were wiped out by record fuel costs.

Pakistan raised petrol prices by 55 rupees to over 320 rupees per litre last week, passing on surging global oil prices to consumers as tensions threaten supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. For the thousands of motorcyclists powering the country's delivery economy, the hike has shattered a fragile existence.

"Things were going fine earlier, but since petrol prices increased, we're facing a lot of difficulties," said rider Mohammad Murtaza Ali. "Earlier, we'd spend around 500 rupees on petrol, now it's 800 rupees. We're struggling to cover household expenses."

Fellow rider Mohammad Mazhar said the same litre of fuel now yields half the deliveries. "Earlier we'd deliver 12 to 13 orders on one litre, now it's barely 7 to 8. Our delivery radius has also increased. We're really struggling."

For Hizbullah, the crisis has stripped away even basic dignities. "We couldn't buy clothes or shoes for Eid. We're unable to pay bills or send money home," he said. "We're relying on free iftar meals to get by. Life is really tough right now."

The government has said it has sufficient reserves but is planning to stretch them given the uncertainty. It has announced weekly price reviews and is considering measures including work-from-home policies and distance learning to conserve fuel.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: KARACHI, PAKISTAN (MARCH 13, 2026) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. FOOD DELIVERY RIDER WALKING AFTER PICKING UP ORDER

2. FOOD DELIVERY RIDER WITH BOTTLED WATER ON MOTORCYCLE

3. FOOD DELIVERY RIDER WALKING AFTER PICKING UP ORDER

4. FOOD DELIVERY RIDER GETTING ONTO MOTORCYCLE AND PREPARING TO RIDE OFF

5. DELIVERY RIDER RIDING OFF

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) FOOD DELIVERY RIDER, MOHAMMAD MURTAZA ALI, SAYING:

"Things were going fine earlier, but since petrol prices increased, we're facing a lot of difficulties at home. Earlier, we'd spend around 500 rupees on petrol, now it's 800 rupees. Our petrol expenses have gone up, and as a result, we're struggling to cover household expenses. We appeal to the authorities to provide some relief on petrol prices so that life can be a bit easier for us."

7. DELIVERY RIDERS AT ORDER COLLECTION POINT

8. SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) FOOD DELIVERY RIDER, MOHAMMAD MAZHAR, SAYING:

“The petrol price has hit 322 rupees per litre. Earlier, we'd deliver 12 to 13 orders with one litre, now it's barely 7 to 8 orders. Our delivery radius has also increased. We're really struggling because of this. Please, spread the word as much as you can.”

9. DELIVERY RIDERS RIDING OFF TO DELIVER ORDERS

10. DELIVERY RIDERS PREPARING TO RIDE OFF TO DELIVER ORDERS

11. (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) FOOD DELIVERY RIDER, HIZBULLAH, SAYING:

"We are paying 322 rupees for one litre of petrol. In these circumstances, we're struggling to make ends meet. We couldn't buy clothes or shoes for Eid. We're unable to pay our utility bills, rent, or send money home. Whatever we earn barely covers petrol and two meals a day. We're relying on free iftar meals to get by. Life is really tough right now."

12. DELIVERY RIDERS CHATTING AT ROADSIDE

13. (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) FOOD DELIVERY RIDER, ABID HUSSAIN, SAYING:

"The increase in fuel prices is a huge loss for us and our families, especially for the poor. Everything has become expensive, and it's very hard for us to afford. We appeal to the government to consider our situation, please."

14. DELIVERY RIDER STARTING MOTORCYCLE, SETTING OFF TO DELIVER ORDER