A petition has been submitted to the Lahore High Court challenging the recent increase in petroleum prices and requesting the suspension of the government’s official notification regarding the hike.
The petition was filed by Azhar Siddique from the Judicial Activism Panel. In the application, he argued that the government’s decision to raise petrol prices by Rs. 55 per litre is unlawful and places an unfair financial burden on the public.
According to the petitioner, the increase in fuel prices is likely to have widespread economic effects. He stated that higher petroleum prices could lead to a rise in transportation costs, electricity tariffs, agricultural expenses, and food prices, which would ultimately increase the cost of living for ordinary citizens.
The petition further claimed that oil marketing companies already maintain petroleum reserves sufficient for at least 15 days. Based on this claim, the petitioner argued that increasing fuel prices despite having adequate reserves was unjustified and contrary to the law.
In his request to the court, Azhar Siddique asked that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and the Ministry of Energy (Pakistan) be directed to present complete details of the country’s current petroleum reserves before the court.
The petition also requested the court to declare the government’s notification announcing the fuel price increase invalid and to suspend its implementation.
The price hike came after the government increased the rates of both petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs. 55 per litre. Following the revision, the price of petrol was set at Rs. 321 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel rose to Rs. 336 per litre.
The case highlights growing concerns among citizens and stakeholders about the economic impact of rising fuel prices and their effect on daily living costs across the country.
Also Read: Massive Rs55 Increase Pushes Petrol Price to Rs321
