A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the federal government’s recent decision to reduce petrol and diesel prices, arguing that the cuts do not adequately reflect the sharp decline in international crude oil prices.
The petition was submitted by lawyer Azhar Siddiq, who contends that the government’s reduction of Rs. 4 per litre in petrol prices and Rs. 2 per litre in diesel prices is insufficient considering the significant fall in global petroleum rates.
According to the plea, the government has failed to pass on the full benefit of lower international oil prices to consumers, resulting in an unfair burden on the public. The petitioner argues that the decision may violate fundamental rights guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution.
The petition requests the court to direct the federal government and relevant authorities to align domestic fuel prices more closely with international market trends.
It further argues that consumers should receive fair and proportional relief whenever global oil prices decline significantly.
The petitioner has also sought interim relief from the court and requested the production of the official fuel pricing formula used by the government.
The petition asks the court to summon details of the pricing mechanism and taxation structure from the federal government and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).
According to the filing, greater transparency is needed to determine whether petroleum products are being priced fairly and whether consumers are receiving the full benefit of international market fluctuations.
The petitioner has urged the court to examine the methodology used to calculate fuel prices and assess whether the existing pricing structure is consistent with public interest.
The legal challenge comes shortly after the federal government announced a reduction in petroleum prices, lowering petrol rates by Rs. 4 per litre and diesel prices by Rs. 2 per litre.
The decision followed a decline in global crude oil prices, although some analysts and consumer groups argued that the relief provided was lower than expected given recent movements in international energy markets.
The Lahore High Court is expected to review the petition and decide whether notices should be issued to the concerned authorities for responses.
