PESHAWAR – The Awami National Party (ANP) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have condemned a significant increase in petroleum product prices, urging the federal government to reverse its decision.
Petroleum Price Hike Draws Criticism
Both the ANP and PPP issued separate statements Saturday, characterizing the government’s decision to raise petroleum prices by as much as Rs55 per litre as detrimental to the public and warning of a new wave of inflation across the country.
ANP President Senator Aimal Wali Khan noted that while international petroleum prices have risen, the current fuel supply in Pakistan was purchased at previous, lower rates. He described the Rs55 per litre increase as an “inflation bomb” on the public, adding the government already collects approximately Rs100 per litre in taxes and levies.
Wali warned the price hike would disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, laborers, farmers, and the middle class, leading to increased costs for transportation, food, and other essential commodities.
PPP Central General Secretary Mohammad Humayun Khan expressed serious concern, calling the increase a heavy burden on the public. He specifically criticized the timing of the increase during the holy month of Ramazan as “extremely unfortunate and unfair.”
Khan stated the price increase would exacerbate inflation and increase hardships for the common man, adding that the public is already struggling with severe inflation. He demanded the government immediately withdraw the decision and take measures to control inflation and provide relief.
Peshawar Press Club President M Riaz and others also voiced their opposition to the price hike, requesting the government to reconsider. They expressed fears the decision would lead to unprecedented price increases.
Crackdowns and Price Adjustments
The Mansehra administration launched a crackdown Saturday, fining and sealing dozens of petrol stations for various violations. Assistant commissioners checked for hoarding and artificial shortages in Mansehra, Balakot, Oghi, Darband and Baffa-Pakhal tehsils. While no hoarding was found, several stations were penalized for other violations.
In Swabi, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also increased following the petroleum price hike. A 10kg LPG cylinder rose from Rs3,100 to Rs3,800 Saturday, with dealers attributing the increase to a US-Israeli attack on Iran.
The Bajaur district administration warned petrol pump owners against hoarding and selling fuel above official prices, conducting surprise visits to fuel stations and directing owners to adhere to official rates.
Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2026
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