As the city runs on fumes, motorcyclists are queuing up at a petrol pump in Karachi, waiting for their turn amid the hike in fuel prices. Photo: Jalal Qureshi / Express
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari has indicated a possible increase in electricity prices following the recent rise in oil prices. According to the minister, consultations are underway to introduce energy-saving measures, including revised market times.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Friday, the minister said the ongoing energy crisis is not limited to oil, but also affects gas and heating oil supplies, which in turn could affect electricity prices.
He noted that the government is working with provincial authorities to adjust market hours and implement other conservation measures aimed at reducing overall energy consumption.
Leghari stressed that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is doing everything possible to protect the public from further financial burdens.
“If we all save energy, the pressure on the countryside will ease and there will be improvements,” he said. The development comes a day after the government announced a steep increase in fuel prices.
The government on Thursday raised the price of petrol by Rs137 per liter and diesel by Rs184.49 per litre, bringing the new prices to Rs458.40 and Rs520.35 per litre, respectively.
The sharp increase has sparked strong criticism from the public and opposition parties, with several political groups announcing protests against the decision.
However, the government maintains that the rise is due to rising global prices linked to tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, and claims the impact is being felt around the world.
Meanwhile, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that the situation could deteriorate further if the conflict continues, indicating that further economic pressure may be inevitable in the coming days.
