Govt maintains petrol prices

ISLAMABAD: Shahbaz Sharif, while announcing a major relief for the nation, has made it clear that the prices of petroleum products will not be increased, and the burden of rising prices in the global market will not be allowed to be passed on to the people.

According to the Prime Minister, the proposals to increase the price of petrol by Rs 50 and the price of diesel by Rs 74 have been rejected so that the citizens can be protected from further pressure of inflation.

He said that in view of Eid, an additional burden on the people has been avoided and the government will bear the burden of about Rs 24 to 40 billion in this regard.

He said that the government’s top priority is to provide relief to the people, especially the poor and middle class, it is necessary to protect them from the effects of inflation.

For this purpose, Rs 69 billion has been spent so far and more steps are being taken on an emergency basis to maintain price stability. The Prime Minister said that to make the relief package effective, a system is being created under which the benefits reach only the deserving people.

He further said that reduction in unnecessary expenses, simplicity and frugality are being promoted at the national level to ensure better use of resources.

He also emphasized that the elite also have to fulfill their national responsibility and everyone should make sacrifices together in difficult situations. According to him, the government is spending every rupee of the people as a trust and national resources are being used only for the public interest.

The Prime Minister said in his message that in the current circumstances, only unity, discipline and joint efforts can get the country out of difficulties, and the nation should play its role in the stability of the country by adopting the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice.

Shahbaz Sharif, while extending heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, said that the holy month of Ramadan was spent in worship, patience and service to God’s creation, and we must adopt this spirit in the future as well.

He said in his address that the world is currently going through an extraordinary test while the increasing war situation in the region has badly affected the global economy. According to him, Gulf oil prices are increasing rapidly, which is having an impact on many countries, including Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said that getting Pakistan out of the challenges it is facing is the government’s top priority and all possible steps are being taken for this.

He warned that if the global situation worsens further, the concerns of price hikes cannot be completely ruled out. Making an important announcement, he said that the government has decided not to increase the prices of petroleum products to provide relief to the people, and the burden of Rs 24 billion will be borne by itself in this regard so that the people are not put under further pressure.

He stressed that the development and prosperity of Pakistan is a common national mission, for which all classes will have to work together. He said that only through unity, hard work and determination can the country be made a strong and sovereign state.

At the end of his speech, he said that in the current circumstances, national unity is the greatest strength, and only through joint efforts can difficulties be overcome.