Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government’s fuel subsidy programme will continue until the end of December. He added that around 15 million people have benefited from the initiative so far.
The announcement was made during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by the PM, where he briefed the cabinet on key developments concerning the national economy, public relief measures, regional diplomacy and law and order.
Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz said that rising international oil prices would have resulted in a Rs15 per litre increase in petrol prices.
However, the government managed to prevent the additional burden from being passed on to the public by sharing the windfall profits of oil refineries.
The PM further said that the fuel subsidy programme would remain in place until December 31.
He added that between 12 million and 15 million families, benefiting approximately 75 million people, had received assistance under the programme, with Rs28 billion spent so far.
He also warned that strict action would be taken against petrol pumps involved in irregularities in the distribution of fuel subsidies. Such outlets would face closure and heavy fines, he added.
Petroleum minister hints at possible petrol price relief
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Wednesday expressed hope that the public would receive good news about petrol prices, saying global oil prices remained lower.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, he said the government was taking steps to protect people from high LPG prices and prevent profiteering.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the government to provide relief to people facing rising living costs.
He added that some groups had taken advantage of the public’s difficulties by making excessive profits from LPG.
The petroleum minister said the government was working to ensure an uninterrupted gas supply across the country during December and January.
