DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) president Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Saturday rejected the latest increase in petroleum prices, accusing the government of misleading the public by selectively citing international market trends and demanding an immediate reversal of the decision.
In a statement, Mr Khan said the government invoked fluctuations in the global oil market only when increasing petroleum prices, but ignored international declines when it came to providing relief to consumers.
He said ministers attempted to justify the hike with “stories of difficult decisions” instead of addressing the hardships faced by the public.
The ANP chief said the recent increase was unacceptable at a time when inflation, unemployment and economic hardship had already reached alarming levels.
He criticised both the government and the opposition, alleging that they were more concerned with protecting their own interests than addressing the problems of the people.
Mr Khan claimed that despite international oil prices falling to low levels in recent months, the government had failed to pass on any meaningful benefit to consumers.
He also criticised the proposed daily review of petroleum prices, questioning how such a mechanism would improve the country’s economy.
“The government is playing into the hands of oil companies and financial institutions,” he alleged.
Mr Khan urged the government to immediately withdraw the increase in petroleum prices and provide tangible relief to the public.
