AS it is a foregone conclusion that the fuel subsidy would ultimately be withdrawn, the Government has started doing loud thinking as to what extent and to whom the relief should continue.
In an interview, Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail has said the government will devise a policy to increase petroleum prices, adding that the “elite class having big vehicles could not be given subsidy, however, those using less petrol such as motorcyclists would be given relief”.
This would obviously be in continuation of the concept of ‘selected’ subsidy pursued by the PTI Government but is unlikely to help check the menace of back-breaking inflation which is the number one problem of the people.
Fuel cards for motorcyclists and rickshaws would surely help mitigate woes of under-privileged segments of the society but what about public transport as any increase in fuel price for the public transport is immediately reflected in fares and (increased) cost of production (of goods).
Therefore, the government should also seriously consider the proposal to issue fuel cards to public transport as well, giving them monthly quotas of petrol/diesel on subsidized rates based on their average daily consumption on approved routes.
It may also be pointed out that due to repeated assertions of the responsible people in the government that the prices of the petroleum products will have to be increased in a reversal of a decision of the PTI Government not to do so till June 2022, there are reports of shortage of diesel in different parts of the country due to hoarding.
The hoarders are having field day in Punjab where virtually no government is in place due to uncalled-for delay in the administration of oath to the elected Chief Minister.
Strong action should be taken against all those who mint money at the expense of the consumers and the economy.
