KARACHI: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) said it would not be surprising if the Consumer Price Index (CPI) returns to double-digit levels in the months of March and April. The steepest increased in petroleum prices and an additional Rs2 per unit impact on electricity tariffs are likely to push inflation higher in the coming months.
President PBF Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman has urged the federal government to reconsider the recent increase in petroleum product prices, stating that a surge of Rs63 per litre in petrol prices within a single week has severely disrupted business activities across the country.
He warned that the new petroleum prices would trigger a fresh wave of inflation, creating serious difficulties for the middle-class, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan. “One thing is clear: a jump of this magnitude signals darker days ahead,” Rehman said.
PBF called on the government to immediately reduce the petroleum levy by 50 percent, arguing that if the levy were lowered in line with current crude prices, petrol could easily be made available at previous rates.
“In extraordinary circumstances, the government must stand with the public and the business community,” the forum said. “If the government cannot share the burden, it should at least abolish fuel privileges provided to government officials.”
The forum further noted that the overnight increase in prices on existing stock has resulted in windfall profits for oil depots, refineries and petrol pumps. The PBF has therefore demanded that the government suspend its revenue targets on petroleum products for at least one month to provide relief to consumers and businesses in the light of ongoing geo political situation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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