Petroleum Minister Asim Hussain looks on during a press conference in New Delhi.—AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday severely criticised Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain for his prior announcement of increase in petroleum prices and termed his statement illegal, DawnNews reported.

Senator Ishaq Dar, the parliamentary leader of the PML-N in Senate, alleged that the pre-announcement was aimed at creating an artificial crisis in the country and advised the minister to avoid making similar pre-announcements in the future.

Moreover, Federal Minister for Law Maula Bux Chandio seconded Dar and told reporters outside the Parliament House that Hussain’s statement was illegal, saying he should not make such pre-announcements.