ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to take immediate measures to provide relief to the public from fuel prices and travel to Karachi to hold talks with oil refineries.
The directives were issued during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik. Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Masood Malik and National Assembly member Hamza Shehbaz also attended the meeting.
The prime minister ordered the petroleum minister to rush to Karachi and make a deal with the local oil refineries regarding the possibility of lowering the prices of locally manufactured diesel.
PM Shehbaz observed that a considerable part of the country’s diesel is locally refined and emphasized the need for doing whatever was possible to bring down the price.
He asked the petroleum minister to visit the refineries personally and finish the deal on an urgent basis.
The prime minister further instructed the authorities to make every possible effort to provide immediate relief to the public.
Big Blow for Consumers as Petrol and Diesel Prices Increase
Earlier, the government has increased the prices of petrol and diesel, with the new rates taking effect from August 19.
According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs3.34 per litre, while diesel has become Rs5.27 per litre more expensive.
Following the latest adjustment, the new petrol price stands at Rs334.54 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel has been fixed at Rs395.69 per litre.
The latest increase is expected to add to fuel costs for motorists and businesses and may put further pressure on transportation expenses.
The Petroleum Division issued the notification for the revised prices on Tuesday, with the new rates applicable from August 19.
