Decline in oil prices have not benefited common people as there is no effect on the prices of commodities and fares
SOHBATPUR: For the past few years, oil prices have shown a downward trend in the international market. Now prices have touched a 13-year low. However, in Pakistan, oil prices have decreased by a mere 10 per cent while the prices have fallen by 25 per cent in international market.
But the decline in oil prices have so far not benefited the common people. There has been no effect on the prices of commodities and fares. In Pakistan, most people use public transport. Transporters increase fares the day after the announcement of an increase in oil prices. However, when it comes to a reduction in oil prices, they do not reduce fares and resort to the fallacious argument of using CNG for fuel to dupe the people.
Transporters appear to have got a free hand to do whatever they want to do. In Balochistan, not a penny has been reduced in line with the reduction in oil prices. The authorities concerned are requested to help provide the benefit of reduced prices of oil to the common people.
Rashid Hussain Bhatti
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2016.
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