Alam Zeb Khan
ISLAMABAD: Citizens across the country are worried about the high petroleum prices and maintained that it is difficult for them to afford the current prices, however, a further increase in the prices will make their routine life further miserable.
Earlier today the federal finance minister Ishaq Dar also presented a mini-budget, which is likely to trigger a fresh wave of price hikes in the country. All these measures are part of the recent negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ensure the release of the next tranche from the monetary fund linked with some strict terms and conditions.
At present, petrol are available in the market at Rs 250 per liter, while High-Speed diesel is available at Rs 263 per liter.
High Petroleum Prices
Talking to World Echo, taxi driver Zubair said that even at present, he cant afford petrol at Rs 250 and even if an increase occurs in the prices, it will be difficult for him to run his car. He added that while earning Rs 2000 per day, he utilized Rs 1200 in fuel, while the remaining amount was not sufficient for him to buy even union and potatoes for his children.
Another citizen of Islamabad, who was a CDA (Capital Development Authority) who ride a motorbike for his conveyance, said that in past fule of Rs 1000 was enough for him, but now he used to spend a huge amount of Rs 7000 on fuel, which has affected his routine budget.
A rent-a-car dealer Abdur Rehman said that the recent past has witnessed an increase both in the prices of fuel and vehicles and now he didn’t know what to do and whether to continue his business or not.
For the last couple of months, the country is passing through one of the worst economic conditions, where the forex reserve of the country is also depleting to an alarming level. At present reserves at State Bank were recorded approximately below $3 billion, along with $5.62 in commercial banks.
