Special Assistant to Prime Minister Huzaifa Rehman has sparked controversy after linking the latest increase in petrol and diesel prices to low tax compliance among the public.
Speaking to a private news channel, the PM’s advisor said the government had recovered missing revenue through the petroleum levy because many people were not paying the required taxes.
The remarks came after the federal government approved a major increase in fuel prices for the next seven days under a decision endorsed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Under the latest revision, the price of high-speed diesel increased by Rs. 15 per litre, while petrol prices rose by Rs. 14.92 per litre nationwide.
Following the increase, petrol is now priced at Rs. 414.78 per litre, while diesel has reached Rs. 414.58 per litre across Pakistan.
The fuel price hike has added further pressure on consumers already dealing with rising transportation expenses, inflation, and higher living costs.
Economists note that increases in petrol and diesel prices directly affect freight charges, food supply chains, and the prices of everyday commodities across the country.
