Islamabad
Government on Saturday decided to retain existing petroleum prices by rejecting OGRA’s summary to hike prices. According to Prime Minister House’s spokesperson, Prime Minister Imran Khan repudiated OGRA’s summary to protect public interest.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had recommended increasing prices of petroleum goods from November 1.
OGRA’s summary recommended 11.53 rupees per litter increase in petrol, 8.49 rupees per litter for high speed diesel and 5.72 rupees per litter increment in light diesel’s price.
According to a statement by PM office, government was determined to relieve masses instead of taxing them amidst global price hikes.
According to experts, government’s decision may relieve masses for coming fifteen days but a major price hike is just around the corner.
Experts suggest an increment of 15-20 rupees in per litter prices in coming two months.
Sources revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan was provoked to reject OGRA’s summary amidst current political turmoil in country. Keeping in view the march of proscribed TLP’s march towards Islamabad, price hike at this stage could severely harm government’s reputation.
For now, the price of petrol, the most commonly used fuel in private transport, remains at Rs137.79 per liter.
