PM rejects proposal to hike petrol by Rs 95 per litre, diesel by 203 per litre

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said he once again rejected a proposal to increase the price of petrol by Rs 95 per litre and diesel by Rs 203 per litre keeping in view the financial problems faced by the people.
In a televised address to the nation, he said, “The federal government has once again decided to bear the burden of Rs 56 billion this week.”
He said, “According to the prevailing market, today the price of petrol in Pakistan should have been Rs 544 but it is sold at Rs. 322 per litre. Similarly, the price of diesel has also increased. Today, in Pakistan, the price of diesel should be Rs 790 per litre, but the government is providing diesel at Rs 335 per litre so that people are saved from the burden.”
The prime minister said the government had shouldered the historic burden of Rs 125 billion on account of fuel since the crisis in the region started.
This money could have been used for different development projects but “nothing is more dear to me than your economic security”, he remarked urging people to make significant changes in their daily lives to conserve fuel.
“Before traveling, think whether this journey is necessary, whether it is necessary to take out a car or motorbike every time,” he continued adding, “Frugality is no longer optional, but has become our shared responsibility.”
He said in countries around the world, prices of fuel have doubled and long lines of people have formed at petrol pumps.
“The prices are beyond the control of the people and governments have become helpless, but your government has so far prevented this storm of inflation from reaching you. However, the government cannot face this situation alone,” he noted.
He appealed to the people to fully cooperate with the government according to a comprehensive plan that will be announced in the next few days to confront the ongoing difficult time.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan was playing a very important role on two fronts with great responsibility. “On the one hand, we are making every effort to protect our national interests and save the people from the catastrophic increase in oil prices in the global markets.” “On the other hand on the diplomatic front, we are working day and night to establish peace. To stop the current war, Pakistan is making full and sincere efforts at the diplomatic level so that the region and brotherly Islamic countries can be saved from the destructive war and its negative effects and the path to lasting peace can be paved through collective consultation and wisdom,” he elaborated. He said, “Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts are not only an international diplomatic responsibility but purely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty and in the best interest of the Muslim Ummah.” “We all believe in one God, one Messenger and one Quran. Therefore, regardless of any school of thought or creed, as Muslims, everyone has the same desire for peace in their hearts,” he added. He said, “In this context, I have had detailed discussions with the heads of Iran and the countries of the Gulf several times. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is working hard and sincerely for success of the diplomatic initiative.” “Field Marshal Syed Aslam Munir is playing a crucial and key role in the success of this important process. I request you to pray to Allah Almighty for the success of these efforts,” he added. He said, “The world is currently struggling with an extraordinary and difficult situation where big economies are a picture of helplessness. Developed countries that have heaps of resources are also facing a severe economic crisis.” He said the government prepared itself for the fuel crisis and made a cut of 100 billion rupees in the budget allocated for development projects and a campaign of simplicity and austerity was initiated to reduce financial pressure on the common man. He said with the boundless grace and mercy of Allah Almighty and the mutual unity and cooperation of the nation, the country will eventually emerge victorious from this storm.