PM Shehbaz Sharif hints at possible increase in Petroleum Prices

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has hinted at a further increase in the prices of petroleum products in the context of the regional situation.

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the Middle East is currently in a state of intense war, efforts are being made to resolve the issues through deliberation and diplomacy, the entire region is currently in the grip of a war situation.

He said that we strongly condemn the Israeli attacks on Iran, condemn the attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Azerbaijan and Bahrain, we consider the security of friendly countries as our own security.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is also facing terrorism on the western border, the Pakistani forces under the leadership of Field Marshal are working for the security of the country, we salute the brave armed forces.

He said that the price of crude oil in the global market has crossed $100, Pakistan is not in control of determining oil prices in the global markets, the government increased the price of oil with a heavy heart, despite the difficult circumstances, the country’s economy will be kept stable, every effort will be made to minimize the burden on the people.

The Prime Minister said that oil prices will increase further in the next few days, the increase will be inevitable, the petrol available to government vehicles has been reduced by 50%, 60% of the vehicles of government departments are being closed, cabinet members, ministers and advisors will not take 2 months’ salary, 20 grade and above government officers whose salary is more than 3 lakhs will have their 2 days’ salary used for public relief.

He said that 50% of the staff in government institutions will work from home, government offices will open only 4 days a week, a ban has been imposed on official visits by federal and provincial ministers, there will be a complete ban on official dinners and iftar parties, a ban has been imposed on foreign visits by federal and provincial ministers, advisors and special assistants.

Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that a ban will also be imposed on foreign visits by government officials, while chief ministers and governors will also be banned from foreign visits, seminars and conferences will be held at government places instead of hotels, all schools are being given a 2-week holiday, online classes are being held in higher education institutions.