No respite

The cost of petrol remains a persistent issue in Pakistan. The real measure of an economy lies in its impact on ordinary people, especially the underprivileged. When oil, gas, electricity, and the dollar are expensive, general inflation engulfs society. However, even when these commodities are cheap, inflation persists, revealing inefficiencies in the system. For instance, when global petrol and diesel prices decrease, transporters take advantage of cheaper fuel but do not decrease their fares. Although petrol prices have been cut by Rs8 per litre this week, the government must take concrete steps to ensure that this change is reflected in the retail prices of essential goods and services like food and transport. 

While the price of petrol may have been cut, the same cannot be said for other important fuels. There is also the looming threat of further hikes in energy prices as the Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed has asked Nepra to raise DISCOs’ tariffs by Rs5.62 per unit. If approved, this could burden consumers with an additional Rs37 billion in electricity bills. The people seek answers from those in power. When will their problems be alleviated?

Muhammad Amin

Kech