KARACHI: Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman of the Consumers Association of Pakistan, has strongly criticized the massive increase in petroleum prices, calling it an “anti-people decision” that will further intensify inflation and economic hardship across the country.
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Speaking to the media in Karachi, Kaukab Iqbal expressed serious concern over the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices, saying the increase would directly impact transportation, agriculture, industrial production, and the prices of essential commodities nationwide.
He stated that Pakistan was already struggling with high inflation, unemployment, and severe economic pressure, while the latest fuel price hike had become unbearable for the poor and middle-class segments of society.
“The extraordinary increase in petroleum prices is another wave of inflation imposed on the people,” he said. “The public is already under immense financial stress, and this decision will further increase the cost of daily life.”
Kaukab Iqbal pointed out that although fluctuations in international oil prices affect domestic fuel rates, additional government levies, internal taxes, and indirect charges were significantly increasing the burden on consumers.
According to him, the rise in public transport fares will heavily affect workers, students, employees, and ordinary citizens who rely on daily commuting, while increased diesel prices will raise agricultural production costs and eventually push food prices even higher.
He warned that rising logistics and freight expenses would trigger another nationwide inflationary wave, affecting every sector of the economy.
The Consumers Association of Pakistan chairman urged the federal government to immediately reduce unnecessary taxes, levies, and additional charges imposed on petroleum products to provide relief to the public.
He also called for emergency measures and targeted support packages for the transport sector, agriculture industry, and essential goods supply chain in order to control growing inflationary pressure.
Kaukab Iqbal further urged the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to strictly enforce official fuel prices across the country and take immediate action against fuel stations involved in overcharging, under-measurement, and hoarding practices.
He emphasized that the current economic situation required urgent national attention and practical policy measures to protect citizens from worsening financial hardship.
