Pakistan PM rejects fuel price hike proposal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to keep petroleum product prices unchanged, rejecting a proposal to raise fuel rates, he said in a televised address to the nation.

In his address, the prime minister said that he has turned down a summary proposing an increase to Rs95 per litre for petrol and Rs203 per litre for diesel.

Sharif stressed that imposing additional financial burden on the public was not appropriate under current conditions and that the government would prioritise public relief.

The decision to maintain fuel prices was taken in view of public interest and economic stability, he said.

The prime minister assured that the government would continue to take steps to ensure energy supply and maintain balance in the market, according to the statement.