ISLAMABAD: The government is still paying Rs 4.2 billion per annum subsidy on diesel prices and POL product prices are still lower in Pakistan as comparing to the neighbouring countries, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Raja Muhammad Javed Ikhlas told National Assembly.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr Nafisa Shah, Shazia Marri, Mir Ijaz Hussain Jakhrani and Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, he said POL product prices would be decreased in case of decrease in international markets.
He said Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had proposed 31 percent increase in Petroleum Oil Lubricant Products (POL) prices but the Prime Minister had approved only 25 percent increase on February 28. OGRA every month proposes adjustments in POL prices in the country in accordance with the international market.
The agenda of Pakistan Muslim league Nawaz (PML-N) government was progress and prosperity of the country, he said.
Responding to Point or Orders on petroleum product increase, Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan told National Assembly that the government was paying subsidy to fertilizer, agriculture and other products. Government don’t want to burden the people. POL product prices could be decreased next month if international price decreases.
He said the inflation ratio has been restrained at 3.75 percent. Earlier, the opposition Parliamentarians severely criticized the government for seventh consecutive increase in POL product prices and demanded taking back the most recent increase.
Speaking on a Point of Orders, Aamir Dogar criticized the government for increasing the prices of petroleum products triggering inflation and price hike.
Jamshaid Dasti criticized the government for what he said anti people measures. Sahibzada Tariqullah demanded withdrawal of recent price hike in petroleum products. Ms Ayesha Gulalai said the increase in petroleum products should be withdrawn.
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