Petrol Price Cuts KATI Urges Government to Pass Savings to Consumers
KATI calls for lower transport fares and stronger price controls following petrol price cuts.
Petrol price cuts have yet to provide meaningful relief to consumers, according to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Muhammad Ikram Rajput.
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Rajput said lower fuel prices have not reduced the cost of living. As a result, low- and middle-income households continue to face high inflation and rising expenses.
Moreover, he noted that people expected transport fares and essential commodity prices to fall after the reduction in petrol prices. However, transport operators and freight companies have not lowered their charges.
He added that the high cost of transportation continues to increase business expenses. Consequently, consumers and industries still pay higher prices for essential goods.
Furthermore, Rajput referred to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). He said the annual inflation rate reached 11.07 percent last month, showing that existing price control measures have produced limited results.
He also criticised weak market oversight in Karachi and other cities. According to Rajput, profiteering and hoarding continue to drive up the prices of essential commodities.
Therefore, he urged the government to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers. He also called for stronger enforcement of officially notified prices across markets.
In addition, Rajput asked the government to ensure that lower fuel prices benefit the public directly. He urged authorities to reduce transport and freight charges without delay and strengthen the national price control mechanism.
Finally, he said effective enforcement and timely action would restore public confidence. He added that practical measures are essential to reduce inflation and support both households and businesses.
