The federal government is ready to drop another petrol bomb on the inflation-hit public as the Petroleum Division has recommended increasing the petrol price by 45 paisas per litre.
According to a summary sent by the Petroleum Division to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), it has been suggested to increase the dealers’ margin 58 paisas. The margin of dealers and oil marketing companies will also be increased on high-speed diesel.
The oil marketing companies (OMCs) margin on per litre petrol will be increased to Rs3.26 from Rs 2.81, while the dealer’s margin on petrol will be raised to Rs 4.28 from Rs 3.70 per litre. On the other hand, OMC’s margin on diesel will be increased to Rs 3.28 from Rs 2.81 per litre, while the dealer’s margin on high-speed diesel has been proposed to increase to Rs 3.12 from Rs 3.62 per litre.
Wave of frustration
The ruling party’s agenda included severe accountability and the elimination of corruption as well as the control of inflation. During the general polls, people were being reassured that there was no lack of resources in the country and the money collected from corrupt elements will be spent on the welfare of the nation.
With the passage of time, those who believe in the destiny of the common man are now disappointed with the government and masses still under the grip of inflation as the authorities failed to control the prices of essential commodities.
The people did not raise their voice for more than two years saying that according to the government it had got a distressed economy, although at the present there is a wave of frustration and concern among the people and the situation is heading towards public outrage, as the government in federal and provincial levels is in a state of crisis.
Hike in fuel prices on 15 January
On January 15, the government had increased the prices of all petroleum products by three percent to 6pc for the next 16 days.
According to an announcement by the finance ministry, the ex-depot prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) were increased by Rs3.20 and Rs2.95 per liter, respectively. The prices of kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO) were jacked up by Rs3 and Rs4.42 per liter, respectively.
Sadly, after 15 days now the government is ready to drop the petrol bomb on the inflation-hit public the increase in the prices of petroleum products would further increase the misery of people. Lack of relief in petrol prices has created more issues for people; the people are forced to commit suicide due to inflation and unemployment.
People under the grip of Inflation
Inflation was somewhat under control before the COVlD-19 Lockdown, but as soon as the lockdown imposed across Pakistan, the shopkeepers increased the prices of the edible items in order to gain profits.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s topmost priority was to make the life of the poor and common men better. Therefore, in view of this situation, the prices of petroleum products have been significantly reduced in order to decrease the rate of inflation.
But despite this, the advantage of this reduction couldn’t reach the common men. In this regard, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has taken action and directed the federal cabinet to extend the benefits of its relief to the common men and make their life easier.
However, now the cost of every notable consumer item including medicines, beef, house rent, gold and cars increased significantly, affecting all types of income groups of consumers in the country.
The people failed to get subsidized items, including sugar, ghee, rice, pulses and flour. The shortage of essential items in the utility stores had created tension for the people visiting the stores for getting edibles at subsidized rates across the country.
Relief steps curial in current situations
If the government really desires to bring about change, it has to do something in practice to decrease issues being faced by citizens. No change has taken place in the last two years of the ruling party in this situation, the poor decisions that the government is making cannot be admired.
The PTI government must point out the mistakes of the past, but just pointing out the mistakes of the past will not solve the issues of the people, it is essential to set a proud example, otherwise, like others, their successors will repeat the same mistakes in power.
Citizens are now pinning hopes on Prime Minister Imran Khan to provide them a breather from whopping inflation and widespread unemployment by taking concrete steps rather than trust on tall claims.
The poor remain hungry and compelled to commit suicide and can no longer afford two meals a day. Unless immediate actions are taken against the responsible culprits, inflation will continue to climb and causes public outrage.
