Fuel price hike ignites opposition fury

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar Khan has strongly lambasted the government against the recent hike in petroleum prices.

The JI leader on Wednesday vowed to hold protest against the government over the hike in prices of petroleum products, electricity, and sugar.

Following the IMF budget, the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices would further open the floodgates for already ballooned inflation, he said. He said that the country would find the right path when an Islamic regime committed to a prosperous and peaceful Pakistan through democratic struggle runs the country.

'Anti-people decision'

Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) has rejected the recent hike in petroleum prices, calling it an anti-people decision. In a statement, the GDA Information Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim strongly criticized the government for increasing fuel prices by Rs18.54 per litre within just one and a half months. The leader of the anti-PPP alliance said the government, instead of providing relief during difficult times, has pushed the public deeper into the trap of inflation.

The GDA leader accused the coalition government of continuing their extravagant spending and luxuries while burdening people with fuel, electricity, and gas prices. The current regime has made people food insecure he said.

Pakistan Markazi Muslim League Sindh President Faisal Nadeem strongly reacted to the recent hike in petrol prices and the alleged patronage of the sugar mafia by the government. He stated that the increase of Rs5.36 per liter in petrol is an extreme form of injustice against the public. Already burdened by inflation and unemployment, the people are now facing further hardship, which clearly reflects the government's anti-people policies.

Pakistan Sunni Tehreek Central President Sahibzada Allama Bilal Abbas Qadri stated that instead of taking steps to reduce inflation, the rulers are actively contributing to its rise. He noted that whenever petroleum product prices increase, the prices of food and all essential commodities automatically go up.

Wave of inflation

The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has strongly criticized the recent hike in petroleum product prices, warning that it could devastate the industry and public. KATI President Junaid Naqi expressed concern over the rise in petrol and diesel prices, saying it will increase production costs and push industries to the brink of collapse.

Naqi warned that if the government doesn't reverse the fuel price hike, industries will shut down, inflation will escalate, and unemployment will rise. He also noted that the hike has increased food prices, making it hard for people to bear daily expenses.

FPCCI Policy Advisory Board Chairman Mian Zahid Hussain, said that the federal government's recent increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices will trigger another wave of inflation for the general public. He emphasized that the rise in petrol prices will directly impact the middle and lower-income groups who rely on motorcycles, rickshaws, and small vehicles for transportation. Additionally, the hike in diesel prices will lead to increased costs in transportation, agricultural machinery, and essential food items.