Opposition parties have sharply criticized the government’s recent decision to increase petrol prices, arguing it will deepen the financial strain on citizens already grappling with high inflation.
Contrary to market expectations, petrol prices were raised by Rs1.35 per litre on Thursday night, setting the new rate at Rs248.38 per litre. High-speed diesel saw a jump of Rs3.85, reaching Rs255.14 per litre. However, kerosene oil dropped by Rs1.48, now at Rs161.54, and light diesel fell by Rs2.61 to Rs147.51 per litre, per the Finance Division.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the government on X, stating that while it advertises stability, it continuously raises the cost of essentials, “exploiting the masses stuck in quicksand.”
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman condemned the hike as “shameful,” accusing the government of failing to offer relief to the public or industrial sectors. He noted that global fuel prices are declining, while Pakistan’s are on the rise. Naeem also urged the government to avoid passing its “frustration” over Pakistan International Airlines’ privatisation setbacks onto the public through price hikes.
Petrol, widely used by private commuters in small vehicles, rickshaws, and motorbikes, hits lower and middle-income groups particularly hard. Diesel, which powers the larger transport sector, affects the cost of moving essential goods, making price hikes especially inflationary and driving up the cost of everyday necessities like vegetables and staples.
