POL bomb hits public hard

Rawalpindi : In utter disregard to growing public discontent over a surging cost of living and inflated electricity and gas bills, the caretaker cabinet gave in to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) diktat and announced a whopping Rs13.55 per litre increase in the price of petrol which has broken the back of a common man completely.

There was an angry reaction all around to the fresh increase in POL prices but bosses were not considering it because ever-increasing inflation, lawlessness, unemployment, poverty and increase in POL prices was a routine matter for the caretaker cabinet which had ruling in the country for over 1 year. The wrong decisions of caretaker government have broken the back of the common man completely.

The long-route transporters have increased fares by 10 to 15 per cent while rates of all kinds of vegetables and other food items have also witnessed an increase here on Thursday.

There was a terrible rush outside petrol pumps before the new prices were set to take effect at midnight because the majority of people were aware that the caretaker government would increase POL prices.

The caretaker cabinet implemented a significant hike in petrol prices by Rs13.55 per litre. This increase primarily aims to cover elevated taxes for current expenditures and address the surge in global oil prices.

Additionally, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) rose by Rs2.75 per litre, as stated by the finance ministry. Following this adjustment, petrol will now be priced at Rs272.89 per litre, up from Rs259.34, while diesel will cost Rs278.96 per litre, up from Rs276.21.

Talking to ‘The News’ people belonging to all walks of life strongly protested against the fresh increase in POL prices adding that the public was already leading a tough life. The flop caretaker cabinet has added fuel to the fire by increasing POL prices, people bemoaned.

Muhammad Irfan, a local said that the purchasing power of a common man has dwindled already but this caretaker government is not feeling any kind of shame. The government in the guise of IMF conditions is continuously looting the public with both hands, he said.

Fatima Khan, a student said that the present hike in POL prices is a big slap on the poor performance of the caretaker cabinet in the country. The caretaker government has sucked even the last drop of blood from the public, she denounced the poor performance of the caretaker government.

Muhammad Riaz, another citizen asked where we should go to complain and who will resolve all these issues.