KARACHI: Consumers Association of Pakistan Chairman Kaukab Iqbal has expressed serious concern and disappointment over the sharp increase in petroleum prices, stating that the extraordinary rise in petrol and diesel rates is another wave of inflation imposed on the public.
He said the decision will not only affect daily life but will also increase transportation costs, agricultural expenses, industrial production costs, and the prices of essential commodities across the country.
Talking to the media in Karachi, Kaukab Iqbal stated that Pakistan is already facing severe inflation, unemployment, and economic pressure, and the sudden increase in petroleum prices has become unbearable for the poor and middle class.
He said that while international market conditions have their impact, additional domestic levies, internal charges, and various indirect costs have multiplied the financial burden on consumers.
He further stated that higher public transport fares will directly affect workers, students, employees, and ordinary citizens, while increased diesel costs will raise agricultural production expenses, leading to further hikes in food prices. Rising logistics and freight charges will trigger another wave of inflation in the country.
The Chairman of Consumers Association of Pakistan urged the Government of Pakistan to immediately reduce unnecessary taxes, levies, and additional charges imposed on petroleum products in order to provide relief to the public. He also called for emergency measures and special support for the transport, agriculture, and essential goods supply sectors to control the growing inflationary pressure.
He also urged Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority to ensure strict implementation of official fuel prices across the country and to take immediate action against overcharging, under-measurement, and hoarding practices at fuel stations.
Kaukab Iqbal emphasised that the current situation requires serious national attention and immediate practical measures to protect the public from further economic hardships.
Meanwhile, Syed Aman Shah, Provincial Convener of Awaam Pakistan Party Balochistan, strongly reacted to the frequent increase and decrease in petroleum product prices.
He stated that the government first imposes massive increases in petroleum prices and then, after a few days, announces a minor reduction to create the impression of public relief, which in reality is nothing more than deceiving the people.
Syed Aman Shah said that the effects of rising petroleum prices are not limited to transportation alone.
As a result, the prices of food items, medicines, electricity, gas, and all essential commodities of daily use also skyrocket.
He said that the poor and middle class are already crushed under the burden of inflation, while the government’s non-serious decisions have made the lives of the people miserable.
Shah further stated that whenever petrol and diesel prices increase, transport fares and commodity prices immediately rise across the country. However, despite minor reductions in fuel prices, the public receives no real relief. He added that the government’s flawed economic policies are giving rise to uncertainty, business stagnation, and economic instability in the country.
He demanded that the federal government ensure transparency in determining petroleum prices and pass on the real benefits of reductions in international market prices directly to the public.
He also urged the government to immediately formulate people-friendly economic policies; otherwise, the growing unrest among the public could take a more serious turn.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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