LAHORE: The recent increase in petroleum product prices has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, with a miscellaneous petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel arguing that the federal government acted without justification.
The petition, submitted by advocate Azhar Siddique, contended that global crude oil prices have declined in recent weeks, yet the government imposed steep hikes domestically. “There is no transparent mechanism in place for revising petroleum prices,” the plea stated, urging the court to declare the latest increase null and void.
The government had announced an overnight increase of Rs13.18 per litre in petrol, setting the new price at Rs310.71 per litre. High‑speed diesel was raised by Rs13.80 per litre, bringing its rate to Rs323.30 per litre. Sources confirmed that the levy on petrol was simultaneously increased by Rs9.36 per litre, taking it to Rs80 per litre from Rs70.36.
The petition emphasized that such measures were eroding public affordability and fueling inflation, particularly in transport and food distribution sectors. It further argued that the government’s reliance on petroleum levy, rather than GST, was designed to keep revenue outside the divisible pool, depriving provinces of their share.
Legal observers note that the case could revive constitutional debate over whether Parliament can delegate taxation powers without setting an upper limit. The Judicial Activism Panel maintained that unchecked executive discretion in fuel pricing undermines both consumer rights and fiscal transparency.
The Lahore High Court is expected to take up the matter in the coming days, with the petition likely to draw significant public attention amid mounting frustration over inflation and the government’s taxation policies.
