ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Atta Tarar has said that the government cannot continue keeping petrol and diesel prices unchanged for a long time.
He explained that global oil prices may rise further in the coming days, which will increase pressure on Pakistan. Over the past two weeks, the government has spent about 69 billion rupees to prevent a major increase in fuel prices.
According to him, the Prime Minister had stopped a possible increase of up to 150 rupees per litre for petrol and 250 rupees for diesel.
The minister said that instead of passing the burden to the public, the government reduced development spending to provide relief. However, this approach is not sustainable for a long period.
He also urged people to save fuel by avoiding unnecessary travel and using one car when several people are going to the same place.
Atta Tarar added that the government may introduce a system in the future to provide targeted relief to poorer citizens.
