PM Shehbaz Rejects Fuel Price Hike, Federal Government to Absorb Rs56 Billion Burden

Islamabad,Report By M.Saleem

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced that proposals to raise petrol prices by Rs95 per litre and diesel by Rs203 per litre have been rejected, with the federal government choosing to absorb an additional burden of Rs56 billion to shield citizens from soaring global oil prices.
Addressing the nation, the Prime Minister revealed that based on current international market rates, petrol should cost Rs544 per litre and diesel Rs790 per litre in Pakistan. However, consumers continue to purchase petrol at Rs322 and diesel at Rs335 per litre. He added that over three consecutive weeks, the government has shouldered a historic cumulative burden of Rs125 billion.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted Pakistan’s active diplomatic role in brokering peace in the region, with Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir playing key roles in the mediation efforts.
Calling austerity a “collective national responsibility,” the Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and assured the nation that a comprehensive economic plan would be unveiled within the coming days. He expressed confidence that through unity and mutual cooperation, Pakistan would overcome these challenging times.