Metro53 - Lahore (Web Desk): Amid rising global petroleum prices, the government has increased the petroleum levy, drawing criticism from economic experts who argue that the burden on the public has grown disproportionately.
Speaking on a private news programme, economist Dr Farrukh Saleem said that while fuel prices have increased worldwide due to the ongoing energy crisis, the scale of the hike in Pakistan is significantly higher than in neighbouring countries.
He noted that the government raised petrol and diesel prices by nearly 72 per cent, whereas in most countries the increase has remained around 40 per cent despite global market pressures.
Dr Saleem further stated that instead of passing the full impact onto consumers, the government should first reduce its own expenditures. He pointed out that the government operates approximately 85,500 official vehicles, which consume fuel worth over Rs14 billion annually.
He emphasised the need for prudent fiscal management and structural reforms, suggesting that controlling state expenditures could help mitigate the impact of the energy crisis on the general public.
