ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to immediately travel to Karachi and hold negotiations with oil refineries to secure a reduction in locally produced diesel prices and provide relief to consumers.
The prime minister issued the directives during a meeting with the petroleum minister, which was also attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik and MNA Hamza Shehbaz.
He directed the minister to ensure necessary measures to reduce the prices of locally produced diesel through negotiations with the refineries.
“Most of the diesel is produced locally by oil refineries. The petroleum minister should personally complete negotiations with the refineries at the earliest to secure a reduction in prices,” the prime minister said.
He directed that maximum possible immediate relief should be provided to the people.
Recently, Pakistan witnessed another increase in fuel prices after the government raised the rates of both petrol and high-speed diesel for August 19.
The price of petrol has been increased by Rs3.34 per litre, taking its new price to Rs334.54 per litre. The government has also raised the price of high-speed diesel by Rs5.27 per litre, pushing the new rate to Rs395.69 per litre. The revised prices have been formally notified and will apply under the latest petroleum price adjustment.
The increase is expected to add to transportation and household expenses, with higher fuel costs potentially putting additional pressure on the prices of goods and services across the country.
