Petrol price reduction would have been greater if sit-ins ended: Rashid

Information minister says sit-ins have destroyed economy, political enviroment and relations with neighbours

ISLAMABAD: While PTI chief Imran Khan took credit for the recent decrease in prices of petroleum products, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said on Saturday the reduction would have been greater had the ongoing sit-ins not destroyed the country’s economy.

Addressing the media in Islamabad on Saturday, Rashid censured the ongoing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf sit-in to overthrow the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government.

“The reduction in prices of petrol would have been up to Rs13 to Rs14 and not Rs9.43 if the sit-ins were not taking place,” the information minister said.

“The exchange rate of rupee to dollar was Rs98/$ till August 13 and the economic indicators showed that the exchange rate will improve,” he said, alleging that the exchange rate could not be maintained due to the sit-ins.

“The sit-ins ruined our economy, politics and relations with neighbouring countries,” Rashid said regretfully, lamenting over the postponement in the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan.

Rashid added that the ‘marked’ reduction in petroleum prices would lead to a reduction in prices of transport fares, also subsequently leading to a reduction in prices of goods that need to be transported such as vegetables, fruits and other materials.