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As you've heard (and bitterly cried about) by now — the government increased the prices of all petroleum products by Rs10 to Rs12 per litre on Tuesday, making the hike perhaps the highest-ever increase in one go. To cope, netizens turned to social media memes, as they usually do in times of collective national stress. Sadly, even humour and several helpings of Akshay Kumar memes weren't enough to numb the pain this time around.

The Ministry of Finance announced the decision after Prime Minister Imran Khan agreed to raise the levy on all petroleum products by Rs4 per litre to honour a commitment made with the IMF for smooth continuation of ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF). However, the GST rate on all these products was kept unchanged at zero. The statement said the PM approved the recommendation to increase the prices of petroleum products in line with a change in international oil prices.

On Twitter, sarcasm was used in abundance in an attempt to cope with the news.

"Mazaay kro Pakistaniyon [Have fun Pakistanis]," tweeted one user.

PM Imran Khan fell victim to some bitterly sarcastic tweets as well. Hell hath no fury like a desi man without fuel in his tank.

PTI supporters tried hard to keep their chin up in these difficult times but smiles soon turned into Akshay Kumar level tears.

Elsewhere on Twitter, Kumar made a reappearance as users hashed out ways to use petrol pumps now that no one can afford to visit them any longer. Fancy a '92 cricket world cup viewing at your nearest PSO?

Some old meme material was recycled in these desperate times. This one originally made its appearance during the petrol strike back in November. Petrol crises seem to be a running theme these days.

"I can't afford to travel to the meeting" is the perfect excuse for ditching plans now, because it's true.

Unless unless you're a kid with a tricycle, in which case feel free to zoom around.

Not many are laughing at #petrolprice memes on Twitter though. No amount of humour and Akshay Kumar memes can mask the increased difficulties many are anticipating after the petrol price hike.

While there's nothing like comedy to defuse some national-level tension, even Twitter meme-makers are finding it difficult to see the humour in a price hike that has left many breathless with worry across the nation. Pakistani Twitter has finally met its match — a Rs 12 petrol price hike.