Shazia Marri said an increase would not only affect transport costs but also trigger another hike in food prices
Market analysts warn that IMF-related measures in the upcoming FY2026 budget – especially new taxes and adjustments in energy prices – could lead to a renewed rise in inflation. PHOTO: FILE
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Monday hit out at the federal government over the recent rise in oil prices, accusing it of dropping a “petrol bomb” on citizens days before Ramazan.
PPP central spokesperson Shazia Marri decried the hike in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices as “unfair”, “ill-advised” and “very unjust”, arguing that the decision would worsen the financial burden on already burdened households.
The government on Sunday evening increased the price of petrol by Rs 5 per liter and HSD by Rs 7.32 per litre. After the revision, the price of ex depot petrol is Rs 258.17. per liter while HSD has increased to Rs 275.70. per litres.
Authorities said the new rates would remain in effect until the end of February, citing fluctuations in prices in the international market.
In a statement published on the PPP’s official website, Marri strongly rejected the hike, calling it a wrong move ahead of Ramazan.
She said raising fuel prices just days before the holy month “is an extremely unfair and unwise move,” especially when citizens are already struggling with “record inflation.”
She condemned the decision as a “petrol bomb” and said it had been dropped on the public at a time when financial 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 increase would not only affect transport costs, but also trigger another rise in food prices, which would disproportionately affect the poor, working and middle class.
“The increase in oil prices will seriously affect the poor, working and middle class and will trigger another increase in food prices and transport costs,” she warned.
Marri also pointed to an obvious contradiction in government policy. “On one hand, the government is announcing a Ramazan relief package, while on the other it is fueling inflation through price hikes. It is a clear political failure,” she said.
