PM Urges Swift Action to Lower Diesel Prices Amid Fuel Hikes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik with urgent negotiations in Karachi aimed at reducing diesel prices. During a meeting that included key government officials, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for immediate action to relieve the public from rising fuel costs.

The directive follows a recent price hike, with petrol increasing by Rs3.34 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs5.27, as the government navigates global oil market disruptions.

In a related context, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers’ Association had previously issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding a shift from a fixed margin to a variable one linked to retail prices. The government has responded by increasing dealers’ margins by 15.5% to avoid a national strike, effective September 1.

Source: www.dawn.com