LAHORE: Citizens across Lahore voiced strong rejection of the government’s latest increase in petroleum product prices, accusing the rulers of burdening households with taxes rather than reflecting global market trends.
Residents argued that crude oil prices had not risen significantly in international markets, yet the government continued to raise domestic rates under the guise of taxation.
“It remains to be seen when the government will impose a tax on breathing,” one disgruntled commuter remarked, highlighting the frustration over relentless indirect taxation.
The government late Friday night raised the price of petrol by Rs13.18 per litre, setting the new rate at Rs310.71 per litre. High‑speed diesel was increased by Rs13.80 per litre, bringing its price to Rs323.30 per litre. Sources confirmed that the levy on petrol was simultaneously raised by Rs9.36 per litre, taking it to Rs80 per litre from the previous Rs70.36.
The steep hike has intensified inflationary pressures, with transporters warning of fare increases and traders anticipating higher food distribution costs. Analysts note that the levy, introduced as an alternative to 18% GST to keep revenue outside the divisible pool, now stands nearly double the GST‑equivalent rate of Rs41 per litre.
Public anger has been compounded by the government’s overnight media blitz, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in telephonic conversations with world leaders to ease Middle East tensions.
Months of such diplomatic manoeuvres have yielded little tangible benefit for Pakistan, leaving citizens to question why international outreach is prioritized while domestic affordability erodes.
Legal experts have also raised concerns over whether Parliament can delegate taxation powers without setting an upper limit, suggesting that the levy’s unchecked escalation may face constitutional scrutiny.
For ordinary citizens, however, the issue remains immediate: higher transport costs, rising food prices, and the perception that the government’s fiscal manoeuvring continues to punish households already struggling with inflation.
