LAHORE: People from various walks of life, especially the salaried class, have expressed anger over another massive increase of Rs30 in the per litre petrol and diesel rates by the government and said the decision might lead to limiting their mobility and routine business.

They also urged the government to immediately withdraw the decision.

“It is highhandedness inflicted on commoners who are already under severe financial stress due to massive price hike and continues facing hardships to run their families. The Rs60 increase in the per litre petrol and diesel price during a week would devastate us,” deplored Arsalan, who works in a factory, while talking to Dawn on Thursday. “The government must withdraw its decision immediately,” he said.

It may be mentioned that the prices of commodities, fruits, vegetables and other essential articles continue attracting an upward trend, making life of common people miserable.

Last week, the transport operators raised fares by 20 per cent on all inter-city and intra-city routes across the province. The Pakistan Railways (PR) too is likely to increase fares on all passenger and freight trains by 20 to 30pc.

Last week, the Punjab Mass Transit Authority also reached a consensus to introduce a distance-based fare instead of a flat one (subsidised fare of Rs40) for those travelling in the Lahore Orange Line train keeping in view the increasing electricity cost during the last and present government’s tenures.

Following a 20pc increase in the prices of the petroleum products, last week the retailers also raised the prices of fruits, vegetables and other commodities in the open market. Similarly, another increase of Rs30 per litre on Friday would also lead to hike in the prices of daily commodities.

“Another major increase in the petroleum products prices will crush the people, especially the salaried class. Therefore, the government must announce a compensation package for the salaried lot in the form of a reasonable discount in the fuel prices as well as essential commodities,” said one Nauman.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2022