PM Sharif rejects proposal to raise petrol, diesel prices

ISLAMABAD, March 20: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Friday, in his Eid‑al‑Fitr address to the nation, rejected a proposal to sharply increase petrol and diesel prices, saying the move would have further burdened ordinary citizens.

“I was advised to raise petrol prices by Rs76 per litre and diesel by Rs177 per litre,” he said. “Considering the approaching Eid and our sense of collective responsibility, I rejected the proposal. The federal government will bear this week’s burden as well, which amounts to 45 billion rupees.”

Sharif recalled that oil prices had surged globally, rising from $72 to $158 per barrel in just three weeks. The increase of 55 rupees per litre earlier had already severely affected households, making it difficult for many families to meet basic necessities, he said.

“People have once again shown patience and resilience, for which I am deeply grateful,” the prime minister said.

Sharif highlighted that the government had already absorbed a 24-billion-rupee burden from earlier price adjustments on March 13. “In such circumstances, any further hike would have increased the hardships of the common citizen,” he added.

The prime minister also extended Eid greetings to the nation, urging citizens to uphold a sense of unity and social responsibility during the festive occasion. “Eid demands special collective responsibility from all of us,” he said.

He noted that despite rising global oil prices, the government was committed to shielding citizens from excessive inflation in fuel costs. “From today, global oil prices have again surged sharply, yet we are determined to manage the impact on our people,” Sharif said.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Friday that protecting the common citizen remains his top priority.

“This is a very important decision. For me, the welfare of the common people is most important,” he said. “I want to make it clear that this is not a permanent solution. Wherever possible, we are bearing the burden ourselves so that it does not fall on the public.”

Sharif noted that while government measures have benefitted needy segments of society, some benefits have also been utilized by other groups. “As far as our authority allows, we are doing our utmost to shoulder this burden ourselves,” he added.

The prime minister highlighted that the government had already spent 69 billion rupees to prevent increases of 127 rupees per litre for petrol and 252 rupees per litre for diesel.

He urged citizens to adopt honesty, wisdom, and frugality in their lifestyles. “It is essential for all of us as a nation to embrace simplicity and prudence,” Sharif said. He also called on the elite to take responsibility and contribute to this collective effort.

“As I promised, we will launch a campaign of austerity and simplicity starting from our own government and enforce it,” he added. “This policy is now in effect, and I personally review these measures daily to ensure every rupee of public money is used responsibly.”

Sharif emphasized that savings generated from these efforts would be spent on public welfare. “Today, we need the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness more than ever,” he said. “Make simplicity your way of life.”

In other news, Karachi police arrested a suspect involved in celebratory firing on the night of the moon sighting. The suspect fled after firing shots but was apprehended near Soorti Road. A pistol and ammunition were recovered from his possession, and a case has been registered under relevant laws with an investigation underway.

The prime minister concluded by offering prayers for peace and prosperity. “May God Almighty bring a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in the region,” he said. “May Allah bless our homeland with development and prosperity.”