LAHORE: Petrol stations in the provincial capital are selling petrol and diesel to consumers at exorbitant prices, charging even higher than the new prices set by the government.
On June 30, the caretaker government increased the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene oil for the month of July 2018, as recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
The new price for petrol was set at Rs99.50, Rs119.31 for diesel, Rs87.70 for kerosene oil and Rs80.91 for light diesel oil, according to a notification issued by the Finance Division. The statement said that the increase in the petroleum prices was caused due to increase (of petroleum prices) in the international market and depreciation of the rupees against the American dollar.
However, petrol stations in Lahore are charging more than the government prescribed amount, with some stations charging almost a rupee more per litre.
The filling station’s employees claimed they had received the price directives from Pakistan State Oil (PSO) directly.
Meanwhile, the recent hike in petroleum prices was challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday.
Advocate Azhar Siddique challenged the hike in prices, stating that the caretaker government has no right to increase or decrease prices of petroleum.
On Sunday, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had also rejected the hike in petroleum prices.
In a statement, former opposition leader in National Assembly Khursheed Shah demanded the caretaker government to withdraw its decision to provide maximum relief to the nation.
