Fuel prices likely to go up by Rs35 per litre after ‘flawed budget:’ Tarin

Fomrer finance minister paints a gloomy picture of economy saying 20 million people can fall below poverty line

Former finance minister Shaukat Tarin has painted a gloomy picture of country’s economy, saying that inflation and employment will further increase due to the “flawed” budget presented by coalition government led by PML-N yesterday.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday alongside other PTI leaders including Omer Ayub, Tarin said the fuel prices will likely to go up further as the government was planning to impose petroleum development levy (PDL) on petroleum products as part of its commitment with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“He [Miftah] will not get any relief from IMF. The government has presented a deficit budget while GDP growth witnessed the highest increase during our government in 30 years,” he added.

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The PTI senator claimed that inflation has gone up to 24% and unemployment will increase further. “We think that the unemployment rate will go up to 25-30% while increasing the petroleum levy will increase petrol further by Rs35 per litre. If so, how will the business grow?”

Tarin added that the PTI government collected the highest revenue in country’s history and created 5.5 million jobs during its three and half years rule.

Also read: Govt focusing on fiscal consolidation, relief to masses: Miftah

He also expressed fear that 20 million people can fall below the poverty line as the incumbent regime has “discontinued” social safety programmes initiated by their government.

Speaking on the occasion, former federal minister Omar Ayub said that following hike in fuel prices per unit of electricity was also expected to reach around Rs39 per unit while gas rates will also be increased by 400 per cent.

With one eye on the International Monetary Fund and the other on voters, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Friday proposed Rs9.5 trillion inflationary budget amid a daunting challenge to meet ambitious targets.

The new budget for fiscal year 2022-23 provides solace to the salaried class whose tax burden has been significantly lessened in addition to 15% increase in salaries of the inflation-stricken government employees.

But his single measure – the proposal to slap Rs50 per litre petroleum levy for additional Rs300 billion income – has not only overshadowed some good measures but may also make it challenging for the coalition partners to defend the budget.

The government has proposed Rs740 billion new taxes, including Rs440 billion tax measures proposed by the Federal Board of Revenue. Some of the major relief measures will be offset by the increase in petroleum prices rates due to Rs50 per litre levy along with 17% sales tax.