KARACHI: The Pakistani public has reacted with severe backlash and widespread frustration following the government’s minor reduction in petroleum prices, labeling it an insignificant gesture amid crushing inflation. Despite a notable decline in crude oil prices in the international market, the government slashed petrol prices by a mere PKR 1.97 per liter, bringing the new retail price to PKR 297.53 per liter. Citizens have heavily criticized the administration, sarcastically noting that the government treats a sub-two-rupee reduction as a “huge favor” to the masses.
The public’s anger is further fueled by a structural tax adjustment hidden behind the relief. While the base price was nominally decreased, the government simultaneously hiked the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) by PKR 6.22, pushing the total levy on petrol to a staggering PKR 70.36 per liter. Similar tax adjustments were made across other petroleum products, with the levy on High-Speed Diesel being set at PKR 70.82 per liter, Kerosene oil at PKR 20.36 per liter, and Light Diesel Oil at PKR 15.84 per liter.
Demanding genuine economic relief, citizens argue that the benefits of international market dips are rarely transferred to the end-consumer due to this heavy taxation. The public has strongly urged the government to significantly slash the petroleum levy rather than making superficial cuts. They emphasize that a substantial reduction is crucial to lowering transportation costs and easing the soaring prices of daily essential commodities, making survival sustainable for the lower and middle classes.
