The recent increase in petroleum product prices in Pakistan has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, with a petition questioning the legality and justification of the government’s decision in light of global market trends.
The petition was filed by Advocate Azhar Siddique on behalf of the Judicial Activism Panel through a miscellaneous application.
The petitioner argued that petroleum prices in Pakistan have been raised disproportionately compared to international market rates and the trends.
The plea further contended that the government used the pretext of tensions between the United States and Iran to justify the increase in petroleum prices, terming the rationale as unjustified and misleading.
The petition further maintained that the method adopted for increasing fuel prices is unlawful and lacks transparency.
The petitioner requested the court to declare the recent hike in petroleum product prices null and void, asserting that the decision has placed an undue burden on the public already struggling with inflation.
It was also highlighted in the petition that similar applications challenging the mechanism of petroleum price increases are already pending before the court.
The Lahore High Court had earlier granted time to the federal government and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to submit their responses in those cases.
The latest petition seeks immediate judicial intervention, urging the court to examine the legality of the pricing mechanism and provide relief to the public.
Last night, in a major blow to consumers, the government announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, significantly raising the cost of both petrol and diesel across the country.
According to the notification, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs 137 per litre, bringing the new rate to Rs 458.40 per litre. Similarly, diesel prices have witnessed an even steeper rise of Rs 184 per litre, with the new price set at Rs 520.34 per litre.
