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Market analysts caution that IMF-related measures in the upcoming FY2026 budget—particularly new taxes and adjustments in energy prices—may lead to a renewed spike in inflation. PHOTO: FILE
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday slammed the federal government over the latest increase in petroleum prices, accusing it of dropping a “petrol bomb” on citizens just days before Ramazan.
PPP central spokesperson Shazia Marri deplored the hike in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices as “unjust”, “ill-advised” and “highly unfair”, arguing that the decision would deepen the financial strain on already burdened households.
The government on Sunday night raised the price of petrol by Rs5 per litre and HSD by Rs7.32 per litre. Following the revision, the ex-depot price of petrol stands at Rs258.17 per litre, while HSD has climbed to Rs275.70 per litre.
Authorities 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 move ahead of Ramazan.
She said that raising fuel prices just days before the holy month “is a highly unfair and unwise move,” particularly when citizens are already grappling with “record inflation”.
Denouncing the decision as a “petrol bomb”, she said it had been dropped on the public at a time when economic pressures were already mounting.
“The government should have focused on providing relief to inflation-hit citizens instead of imposing additional financial burdens,” Marri said.
She warned that the hike would not only affect transport costs but also trigger a fresh surge in food prices, disproportionately impacting the poor, labourers and middle class.
“The hike in petroleum prices will severely affect the poor, labourers, and middle class and will trigger a fresh rise in food prices and transportation costs,” she cautioned.
Marri also pointed to a glaring contradiction in government policy. “On one hand, the government is announcing a Ramazan relief package, while on the other, it is fuelling inflation through price hikes. It is a clear policy failure,” she said.
