ISLAMABAD: As the government has increased petrol prices from Monday midnight despite a significant decrease in international oil prices and decline in value of the US dollar in the country, a controversy has begun in the file and ranks of the PML-N, PDM and among the masses.
The Brent crude oil prices have plunged by over $30 per barrel in recent weeks, from a record high level of $127/barrel to below $95 barrel on Aug 16 while the US dollar too has lost its value by 35-40 rupees in the inter-bank and open market trading in Pakistan.
Finance Minister Miftah Ismail seems to be under pressure at this time as Co-Chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari too blamed the PML-N for increasing petrol prices without taking onboard the coalition partners. Zardari said the government must hold discussion before taking such decisions.
The people were eyeing 15-20 rupees reduction in domestic oil prices from Aug 16, but the government has shocked the masses by enhancing petrol prices by Rs6.19 per liter and reducing just 51 paisa/liter price of diesel _ making a mockery of the sentiments of the people looking for relief from the government amid record price hike.
Maryam Nawaz, Vice-President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said party supremo Nawaz Sharif “strongly opposed” the government’s decision to raise petroleum prices.
In a tweet, Maryam said that Nawaz walked out of a meeting after saying that he “cannot even burden the people with another penny” and that “if the government’s hands are tied, then I [Nawaz Sharif], am not party to this decision.
However, Finance Minister said that without the consent of PM Shehbaz Sharif, he was not in a position to enhance oil prices.
