The government has kept petrol and diesel prices unchanged despite rising global oil markets, providing relief to consumers already facing economic pressure and shielding them from an immediate increase in fuel costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided not to increase petroleum prices in the latest review, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office media wing. The move is aimed at protecting consumers from additional financial burden amid increasing global oil prices and regional tensions.
By maintaining the current fuel prices, the government has prevented an immediate rise in transportation and energy costs that directly affect household budgets and the prices of essential goods across the country.
The prime minister said the government was committed to providing maximum possible relief to citizens during challenging economic conditions. He noted that rising tensions in the region had put pressure on the global economy and energy markets, creating uncertainty for oil-importing countries like Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government was trying to manage the situation through careful policymaking, fiscal discipline, and cost-saving measures within the federal administration to avoid passing additional costs to consumers.
He also emphasized that austerity measures would begin with the government and the country’s elite in order to reduce the burden on lower-income segments of society.
The statement added that provincial governments were cooperating with the federal government in implementing cost-saving initiatives, which was described as a positive development in managing economic challenges.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction that Pakistan currently had adequate crude oil supplies due to the efforts of diplomatic and economic teams, ensuring that the country’s energy needs were being met.
He also directed federal and provincial authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the officially notified petroleum prices and prevent any overcharging by retailers.
The prime minister expressed hope that global market conditions would stabilize in the coming weeks, allowing international petroleum prices to ease as well.
