PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) has expressed disappointment over the federal government’s decision to maintain petroleum prices unchanged despite a continued decline in crude oil prices in the international market and demanded an immediate reduction to provide relief to the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday, ANP central president senator Aimal Wali Khan said that failing to reduce petroleum prices reflected government indifference towards the hardships faced by citizens.

The ANP chief said that although global oil prices had declined consistently, the benefit was not being passed on to consumers in Pakistan. He criticised the decision to keep fuel prices unchanged, alleging that the government appears more focused on accommodating select interests than addressing the needs of the public.

Mr Khan claimed that decisions under a “selected mandate” were being made in favour of privileged groups, adding that the government was burdening citizens to finance its own expenditures.

He said several countries had provided relief to their populations despite regional tensions and conflicts, whereas Pakistan had previously justified fuel price hikes by citing trends in the international market.

According to him, global oil prices were currently at comparatively low levels, but the government had still failed to transfer the benefit to consumers.

The ANP leader termed the policy unjust and anti-public, alleging that oil companies’ interests were being prioritised over those of ordinary citizens.

He maintained that people were already struggling with inflation, unemployment and heavy taxation, and could not bear additional pressure resulting from what he described as imbalanced government policies.

Mr Khan demanded of the government to immediately announce a substantial cut in petroleum prices and ensure that the full benefit of lower global oil prices reached the public. He also called for urgent relief measures for citizens affected by inflation and unemployment.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2026