Govt has ‘nothing to do with’ increase in petrol prices: Sanaullah

Cites Middle East war as reason

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Friday said that the prices of petroleum products had increased due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, adding that the government “has nothing to do with it”.

His remarks come a day after an unprecedented increase of 43 per cent and 55pc in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), respectively, to cushion the impact of global oil price shocks amid the US-Israel war on Iran. The decision was heavily criticised by the government’s opponents.

In a televised address, Sanaullah said that there was no example of such an increase in global petroleum prices in the past.

“This rise is also hitting Pakistan, that’s why we increased petrol and diesel prices yesterday,” he said. He said that before announcing the hike in prices, the government undertook major austerity measures.

“The government spent Rs129 billion and didn’t allow the burden to pass on to the public for the past three weeks,” he said. However, this could not go on forever, he said.

The PM’s adviser said that yesterday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held detailed consultations with the country’s political leadership and decided to provide a targeted subsidy, instead of a blanket cover for all.

He said that the government decided to give a Rs100 subsidy on petrol for motorcyclists and a Rs1,500 subsidy per acre for farmers as the harvesting season was approaching.

Sanaullah said that the government also gave Rs70,000 and Rs80,000 subsidies for goods transporters as per their capacity. He said that the government was also giving a Rs100,000 subsidy to transporters.

“We did this so they won’t increase the fares, that’s how we are supporting the common man and the needy,” he stated.

“The prices rose due to the war in the Middle East. The government had nothing to do with it. Everybody knows who started the war,” he asserted.

He went on to say that some people were carrying out propaganda and inciting the public to protest against the government.

“Those people are not talking about the austerity measures taken by the government and the subsidies it announced; they are pushing their own political agenda,” Sanaullah said.

He said that there were countries where people were not able to get petrol and diesel.

“This is the result of the government’s efforts that petrol and diesel are available for the public,” he said.

Referring to the opposition, he said that they should come and appreciate the government’s initiatives and assist it in taking things forward.

“Come and give your suggestions and empower the government to play its role in stopping this war,” he said. He also called on the opposition to stop misleading people about the government.

“The government didn’t raise the prices; it tried to keep the prices low.”

Sanaullah declared that if someone wanted to protest, they should protest against Israel for waging the war on Iran.

“We need to strengthen our country and have to forego the political goals. If this war continues for the next three to four months, we may have to face an even worse situation,” he warned.

The PML-N leader called on the people to face this crisis like a resilient, brave and determined nation.

“Those misleading people for their personal and political gains should know that the government has nothing to do with this hike; we are making our best efforts to stop the war,” he said. “There should be no division amongst us; we need unity to bring ourselves out of this turmoil.” Staff Report