ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The rise in inflation and profiteering continues to make the prices of necessities soar further in Lahore, making life difficult for consumers, especially those from poor families that are already suffering due to the increase in petrol prices.
Prices of some commonly used commodities are still high even after the government attempts to regulate inflation rates. Rice is being sold at prices ranging from Rs. 320 to Rs. 640 per kg, varying with different varieties of rice.
Like rice, cooking oil and ghee are also sold in the range of Rs. 490 to Rs. 610 per kg.
There was a rise in prices of pulses, meat, milk, and yogurt reported by the consumers, which made it difficult for families to cope with their expenses on grocery.
Concerns were raised about the persistent increase in food prices, and the people demanded that effective steps should be taken against profiteering.
Petrol Prices to Change Daily
Addressing a press conference earlier today, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) will determine the fuel prices daily based on the international market and will be updated on its website.
“The decision was taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the federal cabinet,” he added.
He further said that the cabinet has decided to bring transparency to the entire system of fuel prices, stating that “Ogra would not just publish the fuel rates on its website, but also publish the factors leading to the price that we see in each petrol pump.”
“The interests of all stakeholders will be taken into consideration with transparency, whether the price will fall or rise, or relief will be transferred to the people immediately,” Malik said.
He further said that the daily price review will be decided according to a seven-day weekly average in the international market.
Following the announcement of this policy, the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA) rejected the federal government’s new petroleum price deregulation policy and warned of a nationwide strike if the decision is not reconsidered.
Association Chairman Noman Ali Butt said petrol pump owners across the country oppose the proposed policy and would consider launching protests and a strike next week if the government proceeds with its implementation.
“If the decision is not withdrawn, they will consider protesting and striking next week,” Butt said.
