Petroleum prices: Traders concerned at frequent increases

Business Recorder reported that Karachi traders were alarmed on Friday by regular rises in fuel costs and the inflationary pressure they create. Muhammad Ismail Lalpuriya, spokesperson for the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran and All City Traders Ittehad, issued a statement urging the federal government to bring fuel rates under control without delay.

According to the statement, the recent steep climb in petrol and diesel rates led transport operators to charge higher fares. Those higher fares have in turn pushed up the price of everyday food products, adding to pressure on consumers.

The government, according to the statement, cites higher international market prices as its reason for raising fuel rates, yet it is unwilling to reduce the levy charged on each litre of petroleum products. Lalpuriya called for the petroleum levy to be scrapped, lower fuel prices, and action against those using fuel costs as an excuse to raise transport fares and food prices.