Pakistan govt hikes petrol-diesel prices by record Rs 35 per litre each amid economic crisis
Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Sunday announced hiking the price of petrol and diesel by record Rs 35 per litre, adding more trouble for people in the nation which is facing an economic crisis.
The price of kerosene oil and light diesel oil was also increased by Rs 18.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced the hike in the prices of fuels during a national address earlier in the day.
“The Pakistani rupee saw devaluation last week […] and now we are seeing an 11 per cent increase in the prices of petroleum products in the international market,” he was quoted as saying by Dawn News.
“Despite international prices and rupee devaluation, on directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, we have decided to increase the minimum price of these four products," he said.
“We have decided to increase the price of petrol and diesel by Rs35. The price of kerosene oil and light diesel oil has been increased by Rs 18,” Dar said.
PTI chief Imran Khan slams:
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who was removed from power last year, tweeted to criticise the hike in prices of fuels.
Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt & incompetent imported govt has crushed masses & salaried class with latest hike in petrol & diesel prices & Rs33/$ devaluation to Rs262.6/$. Elec & gas price hike & 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs200bn mini budget.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 29, 2023
He tweeted: "Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt & incompetent imported govt has crushed masses & salaried class with latest hike in petrol & diesel prices & Rs33/$ devaluation to Rs262.6/$. Elec & gas price hike & 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs200bn mini budget."