The prices of ghee and cooking oil are likely to increase in the country, raising concerns among consumers.
According to the Vanaspati Manufacturers Association, prices of ghee and cooking oil may rise by Rs100 to Rs150 per kilogram in the coming days.
According to the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), the recent rise in petroleum products prices has made production costs to the mills very high. The costs of transportation and production of ghee by producers have increased exponentially.
PVMA officials have indicated that the increased cost of operation has compelled manufacturers to think of increasing prices.
The association has also called on the government to set up a committee to come up with solutions that will help in controlling prices and relieve consumers.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction of Rs80 in the petrol levy, after which the price of petrol has decreased from Rs458 to Rs378 per litre.
Addressing the nation, the prime minister said that the Rs80 reduction in the petrol levy will be for one month.
He said the government understands the problems faced by the public, and a subsidy of Rs100 per litre will also be given to motorcycle users.
He said that the increase in global crude oil prices has also affected Pakistan, and the rise in petroleum prices has increased difficulties for the common man.
Shehbaz Sharif said that even strong economies around the world are being severely affected by this crisis.
He added that the government has made every possible effort to reduce public hardship by using national resources, and Rs129 billion has been spent to provide relief in petroleum prices.
Further, he said that while people in other countries had to stand in long queues for petrol, such a situation was avoided in Pakistan.
He added that recent national decisions were made after consultation, and efforts were made to prevent the escalation of war. He expressed hope that the conflict would end soon and peace would be restored.
The prime minister also announced that goods transport vehicles will receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre, public transport will be given a monthly subsidy of Rs100,000, and farmers will receive a subsidy of Rs1,500.
