ISLAMABAD: The PTI on Saturday criticised the PMLN government for failing to pass on the benefits of falling global crude oil prices to consumers in Pakistan, while also condemning a proposed anti-social behaviour bill in Punjab.

PTI Information Secre­tary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that despite a notable reduction in international oil prices, the government chose to protect the interests of oil marketing companies, the tanker mafia, and powerful dealers instead of providing relief to the inflation-stricken masses.

“While the government has no hesitation in imposing additional burdens of taxes, electricity, and gas prices on the public, it shows utter reluctance when the time comes to grant relief,” Akram said. He labelled the policy a double standard that exposes the hollowness of the government’s public welfare claims.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik dismissed the criticism, denying allegations that the government was favouring specific sectors or imposing undue burdens.

Responding to backlash after petrol and high-speed diesel prices were kept fixed, Mr Malik shared market data on social media platform X showing international petrol actually traded betwe­en $90.36 and $98.35 per barrel from June 22-26.

“The government is neither giving preference to any sector nor imposing any undue burden on the other,” he said. “It is committed, within the scope of its international obligations, to pass on any benefit to the consumers.”

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026