Fuel burden grows

THE federal government’s decision to increase petrol and diesel prices by nearly Rs15 per litre each once again has dealt a severe blow to an already burdened public. With petrol now priced at Rs414.78 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs414.58 per litre, this is the third consecutive increase in fuel prices within weeks. At a time when inflation continues to erode household incomes and the cost of living remains unbearably high, there appears to be little justification for imposing yet another financial burden on the people. No doubt, petroleum prices in the international market have witnessed an upward trend owing to US-Iran tensions. However, the figures related to the petroleum levy clearly indicate that the government had ample room to cushion consumers instead of further increasing prices. According to reports, the petroleum levy on petrol has been increased from Rs103.50 to Rs117.41 per litre, while the levy on diesel has gone up from Rs28.69 to Rs42.60 per litre. These figures make it evident that the increase is not merely due to international market pressures but is the result of deliberate fiscal decisions taken by the government. These are extraordinarily difficult times for ordinary citizens. Prices of essential commodities and daily necessities have already risen sharply. Every increase in petrol and diesel prices triggers a chain reaction across the economy, raising transportation costs and further inflating the prices of food items and other essentials. The salaried class, labourers, transporters and small businesses are all struggling to cope with the relentless wave of inflation. In such circumstances, there is no justification for treating petrol and diesel as instruments for revenue collection. Fuel is not a luxury item; it is an essential commodity that directly affects every sector of society. An elected government is expected to stand with the people in times of hardship, not deepen their difficulties through excessive taxation and levies. Th