July 22, 2008	Tuesday	Rajab 18, 1429

DADU, July 21: Transporters in synchronisation to hike in petroleum products raised fares on Monday on different routs, revealed a survey conducted by this correspondent.

The recent rise in prices of petroleum products was the worst, hitting poor people badly transporter Anwar Rustamani said adding that transporters were left with no choice but to increase fares.

Passenger Nabi Bux Kandhro said now poor people will be unable to move from one place to another.

President of Chamber of Commerce Dadu, Ghulam Shah Malkani said fuel price rise results in escalation of rates of everything. He warned of deepening economic problems if the trend was not reversed.

Social worker Nadeem Ahmed Ghaloo said soon after the announcement of POL rates, vegetables, meat, fish and Atta rates went up leaving the public in disarray. Clashes between passengers and transporters over fares were reported at many places.

Our Khairpur correspondent adds: Public, labour leaders and civil society activists expressed their concern over increase in oil prices and said hike onslaught will make the already miserable lives of people unbearable.

Folk poet Hussain Bux Rid lamented spiral effect it will cause to all items, hence depriving have-nots even to buy kitchen stuff.

President Pushcart Union, Arab Khoso said daily wagers will be worst sufferers adding the poor were already reeling under price burden while this announcement will supplement to their economic woes.

President Hesco Labour Union, Khairpur Division, Wali Mohammad Leghari said the poor will become poorer and the rich richer because of increase in oil prices. He said the government in Budget 2008-09 increased the salaries but incessant hikes will not only offset it but will take prices of all items to dizzy heights.