KARACHI: It has been more than one year since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came into power on July 25 as a result of the 2018 general elections. The day was observed by its supporters as Youm-e-Tashakkur this year.
The motto of the ruling party was to bring the change and make Pakistan a welfare state, however the government has failed to provide even basic necessities to the masses which can be substantiated through the ever rising inflation and prices of petroleum products.
At the time the incumbent government was elected, petrol price was Rs92 a liter, while today it stands at record high Rs118 a liter. Within one year, petrol price has shot up by Rs25 a litre in bits and pieces. The prices of petroleum products were raised six times, slashed four times and maintained twice in last twelve months.
After PTI was elected to make government, it announced to cut petrol price in August. In November, the government for the first time increased petrol price by Rs5, then petrol price was trimmed by Rs3 to Rs5 in December 2018 and January and February this year. After that, it went on the spree of raising petrol prices from March 2019.
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Petrol price jumped by Rs6.45 in April. It was raised by Rs9.42 in May and then in June it underwent another rise, by Rs4.26.
The federal government on Wednesday increased the price of petrol for August, on recommendations of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). In the latest development, the government increased the price of petrol by Rs5.15 per litre.
People have become furious over incessant ascending prices and have reprimanded the government over it.
It may also be noted that in May the government had floated the idea of using low-grade petrol, 82 Ron, for motorcycle. This quality of petrol was used three decades ago in the country. Two years ago, the previous government had upgraded it from 87 Ron to 92 Ron to meet the international standards.
