ISLAMABAD: The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday rejected the government’s announcement of Rs80 per litre petrol price relief, calling it “deceptive” and an attempt to offset public anger over a sharp increase in fuel prices imposed a day earlier.
In a statement, the opposition party said the reduction in petrol prices was a “cosmetic reversal” that failed to provide meaningful relief to citizens grappling with high inflation.
PTI said the government had initially raised petrol prices by Rs137 per litre and diesel by Rs184 per litre, triggering widespread backlash.
It added that the subsequent cut of Rs80 rupees per litre in petrol still left fuel costs significantly above previous levels, while diesel prices remained unchanged.
“As a result, petrol is still Rs57 per litre higher than its previous rate, while diesel continues to stand at an unprecedented Rs520 per litre. This is entirely unacceptable,” the party said.
The party also questioned the decision-making process, citing the prime minister’s remarks that the initial price increase had been made without cabinet consultation. PTI said this raised concerns about adherence to constitutional procedures, which require collective decision-making by the federal cabinet.
It further criticised recent government statements as an attempt to divert attention from what it described as efforts to address a fiscal shortfall through increased taxation on fuel.
PTI claimed that the base cost of petrol was around Rs250 per litre, with the remainder comprising taxes and levies.
The party also dismissed government measures such as free public transport and a subsidy scheme for certain motorcycle users as inadequate and selective.
Highlighting the broader economic impact, PTI said high diesel prices were placing pressure on transport, commerce and agriculture, particularly during the wheat harvesting season.
The party called for the removal of what it termed excessive taxes on petrol and urged the government to reduce prices to Rs300 per litre, while also demanding a rollback in diesel prices.
PTI said it would continue to oppose what it described as economic injustice and advocate for public relief.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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