As the city runs on fumes, motorcyclists queue at a petrol pump in Karachi, waiting their turn amid rising fuel prices. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari has indicated a possible increase in electricity prices following the recent increase in oil tariffs. According to the minister, consultations are underway to introduce energy saving measures, including revised market timings.
In a statement posted on social media platform
He noted that the government is working with provincial authorities to adjust market hours and implement other conservation measures aimed at reducing overall energy consumption.
Leghari emphasized that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is making all-out efforts to protect the public from additional financial burden.
“If we all conserve energy, the pressure on the country will decrease and improvements will occur,” he said. The news comes a day after the government announced a sharp increase in fuel prices.
On Thursday, the government increased the price of petrol by Rs 137 per liter and diesel by Rs 184.49 per litre, taking the new rates to Rs 458.40 and Rs 520.35 per litre, respectively.
The sharp increase has drawn strong criticism from the public and opposition parties, and several political groups have announced protests against the decision.
The government, however, maintains that the increase is due to rising global prices linked to tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, stating that the impact is being felt around the world.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that the situation could worsen further if the conflict persists, indicating that additional economic pressures may be inevitable in the coming days.
