He stated that the sudden increase of Rs. 55 per litre in petrol price has placed an unbearable burden on the public at a time when the country is already facing severe inflation and the cost of living has become extremely difficult for ordinary citizens.
Kaukab Iqbal said that although international oil prices fluctuate, Pakistan usually maintains petroleum stocks for several weeks, therefore such an immediate and steep increase in prices raises serious questions and requires transparency from the government.
He emphasized that petrol price increases directly affect transportation fares, food prices, electricity generation costs, and the overall cost of living, which will trigger another wave of inflation across the country and further hurt the poor and middle-class segments of society.
The CAP Chairman further stated that before increasing petrol prices, the government should immediately end the facility of free petrol provided to government officials and employees, which puts a heavy burden on the national exchequer.
“It is unfortunate that instead of reducing unnecessary government expenditures, the authorities continue to shift the entire financial burden onto the poor and middle-class citizens,” he said.
Kaukab Iqbal stressed that if austerity measures are required, they must begin with government departments and official privileges, rather than imposing additional financial pressure on the already struggling public.
He urged the Government of Pakistan to immediately review the recent petrol price increase and take practical measures to control inflation and protect consumer rights.
He concluded by stating that the Consumers Association of Pakistan strongly condemns the sudden and excessive increase in petrol prices and calls upon the government to reconsider this decision in the larger interest of the people of Pakistan.
