Govt maintains petrol, diesel price at current level

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided not to increase petroleum prices despite a rise in global oil markets, saying the government wants to protect ordinary citizens from additional financial burden amid growing regional tensions.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office media wing on Friday, the decision was taken to provide relief to the public and honor the prime minister’s commitment to minimize the impact of rising global energy costs on Pakistani consumers.

The statement said that despite increasing international oil prices, the government has opted to keep petroleum prices unchanged to reduce pressure on the common man.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government would continue to provide as much relief as possible to the public in difficult economic circumstances.

He noted that growing tensions in the region have put the global economy under pressure, raising concerns about potential spillover effects on Pakistan’s economy.

The premier said the government was attempting to manage the situation through timely policymaking, fiscal discipline, and cost-saving measures within the federal administration.

Shehbaz Sharif added that as a “servant of Pakistan,” he had resolved to begin austerity measures from the government and the country’s elite in order to lessen the burden on poorer segments of society during challenging times.

The statement further said that provincial governments were also cooperating with the federal government in implementing cost-saving measures, calling their support a positive development.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction that, through the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic teams, adequate supplies of crude oil were available to meet the country’s energy needs.

He also directed federal and provincial authorities to ensure strict enforcement of officially notified petroleum prices and prevent any overcharging by retailers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that global conditions would stabilize soon and that international petroleum prices would also achieve greater stability in the coming period.