Facing widespread civil unrest triggered by a massive surge in fuel prices linked to the conflict in Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that public transportation will be free for all citizens for the next month in the capital and the country's most populous province.
The emergency measure, announced Friday, follows a chaotic week where petrol prices initially spiked by 42.7%, reaching a record 485 Rupees ($1.74) per liter.
The hike sparked immediate protests and left petrol pumps overwhelmed by miles-long queues of desperate motorists.
A Partial Retreat on Pricing
Under intense public pressure, Prime Minister Sharif partially rolled back the increase during a televised address on Friday night. By reducing government levies, the price of petrol has been adjusted to 378 Rupees per liter.
"This price will remain effective for at least one month," the Prime Minister stated. "I promise you, I will not rest until your lives return to normalcy."
The Diesel Crisis Continues
While the Prime Minister offered relief for petrol users, the situation for the industrial and transport sectors remains dire. Diesel prices were not included in the rollback and saw a staggering 54.9% increase.
New Diesel Price: 520 Rupees ($5.60) per liter.
Escalating Tensions
Analysts suggest the free transport initiative is a strategic move to prevent the complete paralysis of the economy as soaring diesel costs threaten to halt the movement of goods.
With global energy markets volatile due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan—already grappling with economic instability—finds itself at a breaking point.
Source: The Guardian
