LAHORE: Farmers’ organisations have forcefully rejected the recent fuel price hike, arguing that the government’s exclusion of the agricultural sector from relief measures leaves farmers especially vulnerable and demanding an immediate withdrawal of the increase.

The Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee (PKRC) and Kisan Board Pakistan (KBP) have strongly condemned the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, calling the move unjustified and oppressive.

In separate statements, PKRC President Tariq Mahmood, General Secretary Riffat Maqsood and KBP Vice-President Amanullah Chattha criticised what they described as the government’s deceptive pricing policy.

They said that sharply raising fuel prices and then offering a partial reduction is a tactic meant to deceive the public. Farmers across Pakistan, they said, unanimously reject the policy.

The leaders questioned why the government did not announce any relief for the agriculture sector, while it simultaneously cut petrol rates for urban consumers and allocated Rs 6 billion as a subsidy for the transport sector to offset the petroleum price hike.

The statements highlighted that farmers are already grappling with severe economic hardship due to low prices for their crops and soaring input costs, including fertilisers, seeds, pesticides, and expensive electricity.

Slam govt over fuel price hike; say increase worsens crisis amid soaring production costs

As a result, production costs have surged while financial returns remain inadequate, pushing many in the farming community into worsening financial conditions. They warned that the recent fuel price hike would deepen the crisis, particularly as it comes during a critical agricultural season.

The statements noted that wheat harvesting is underway in Punjab and Sindh, while the sowing of cotton and other crops has begun. This period requires significant diesel usage for machinery used in harvesting and cultivation. At the current prices, the groups warned, farmers may find it impossible to continue operations.

Adding to their economic woes, regional tensions are affecting agricultural exports. The leaders pointed out that strained relations with Afghanistan and border closures with Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict have disrupted crucial trade routes.

Consequently, farmers are being forced to sell their produce at extremely low prices in local markets.

The farmer representatives said that while global oil prices have risen slightly, many other countries have cushioned their populations from the impact by reducing taxes.

In contrast, they alleged, the Pakistani government has significantly increased petroleum levies under the pretext of its obligations to the International Monetary Fund. They urged the government to shift its focus toward reviving economic activity, promoting investment, and providing genuine support to the country’s agricultural backbone.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2026