This is apropos of the petrol and diesel price hike. Though the persistent seen on a fortnightly basis can be attributed to the fact that it is done to meet the international market standards and fluctuating prices, concerned authorities should not neglect the negative impact it has on an ordinary man.
It is but natural that increase of petrol prizes will bring an abnormal rise in the prices of petroleum based products. This cannot be good news when almost 80% of our population is living in poverty. This vicious circle of poverty has deprived our gullible masses of human rights. Furthermore, these poverty-stricken people have become the root cause of terrorism and crime.
Bus fares also increase with these hikes and a majority of our people travelling by bus are adversely affected. As prices of petrol and diesel rise, delivery of consumer commodities becomes expensive leading to increasing prices of these goods as well.
The public understands that the
cash-strapped government cannot continue with unsustainable subsidies but it cannot pass on the entire burden on to the consumers as this measure has an impact on all of society and a disproportionately larger impact on lower-middle classes and poor classes. The government should try to strike a balance between fiscal management and giving relief to the impoverished masses.
Amsal Siddiqui
Karachi