Shazia Marri said the increase would not only affect transportation costs but also lead to a further increase in food prices.
Market analysts warn that IMF-related measures in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget (particularly new taxes and adjustments to energy prices) may lead to a further rise in inflation. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Monday criticized the federal government over the latest rise in oil prices, accusing it of dropping a “petrol bomb” on citizens just days before Ramadan.
PPP central spokesperson Shazia Marri deplored the increase in petrol and high speed diesel (HSD) prices calling it “unfair”, “reckless” and “highly unfair”, arguing that the decision would deepen financial pressure on already burdened households.
On Sunday night, the government increased the price of petrol by Rs 5 per liter and HSD by Rs 7.32 per litre. After the revision, the ex-depot price of petrol stands at Rs 258.17 per litre, while HSD has risen to Rs 275.70 per litre.
Officials said the new rates would remain in effect until the end of February, citing fluctuations in international market prices.
In a statement posted on the PPP’s official website, Marri strongly rejected the increase, calling it an ill-timed measure ahead of Ramadan.
He said raising fuel prices just days before the holy month “is a very unfair and reckless move,” particularly when citizens are already dealing with “record inflation.”
Denouncing the decision as a “petrol bomb”, he said it had been dropped on the public at a time when economic pressures were already increasing.
“The government should have focused on providing relief to citizens affected by inflation instead of imposing additional financial burdens,” Marri said.
He warned that the increase would not only affect transportation costs but also trigger a new increase in food prices, disproportionately impacting the poor, workers and middle class.
“The rise in oil prices will seriously affect the poor, workers and the middle class and will cause a further increase in food prices and transportation costs,” he warned.
Marri also pointed out a glaring contradiction in government policy. “On the one hand, the government is announcing a relief package for Ramazan, while on the other, it is fueling inflation through price increases. It is a clear political failure,” he said.
