LHC gets petition against hike in gas prices

LAHORE: A plea has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the increase in pricing of petroleum products in Pakistan.

“Between September 7 and 11, petrol had become costlier by Rs29.95 per liter and diesel by Rs25.27 per liter during the same five days,” the plea stated.

The petitioner said the price of petroleum was being increased daily which has pushed the price of fuel to more than Rs400 per liter.

The petition said the continual hikes in fuel prices are impacting transit, agriculture and the prices of critical commodities. It said paid workers and low-income families are bearing the brunt of the higher fuel expenses.

The petitioner further compared the pricing of diesel in Pakistan with other nations and said that diesel was Rs140 per liter more costly than Bangladesh, Rs122 than India, Rs106 more than Afghanistan and about Rs77 more than Sri Lanka.

The petitioner has asked the high court to call data about petroleum levy, taxes and margins of oil marketing companies and dealers.

The petition also asked for details of the method for fixing prices of petroleum products in the country.