Instead of raising fuel prices, government should focus on drawing up a energy resource conservation plan.
ISLAMABAD: The massive increase in fuel prices is the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back. Poor Pakistanis, already burdened with ever-rising electricity and CNG tariffs will not have to deal with a steep rise in their fuel budgets as well. And since fuel is an industry input, it will cause a further increase in the price of just about everything, including transport fares.
Instead of raising fuel prices, what the government should have done was to focus on a drawing up a comprehensive plan to conserve our energy resources. It should explore alternative means for energy as well, including the possibility of harnessing wind and solar energy, both of which, one would assume, be abdundant in Pakistan.
Also, if the issue has to do with reducing government expenditures by cutting back on subsidies, why doesn’t the administration reduce its own expenses? There should be an austerity drive, even if the amount saved is not significant, so that the people of Pakistan know that they are not in this alone.
Iftikhar Mirza
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2012.
