Petrol prices: common man hit hardest

INFORMATION Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, while explaining the rise in petrol and diesel prices at a press briefing, asked the public that she would welcome any alternative way or a formula to maintain prices in view of a global increase in petrol prices. The prime minister also showed his helplessness and told parliamentarians that if prices are not increased, the government will have to incur Rs5 billion per month from the national exchequer. The rulers know very well the solution of this crisis if they have the will to resolve it. First, the government should let the public know at what rate they are getting oil and how much taxes and duties/surcharges are imposed on it. Next comes the tightening of their own belts where they spend the revenue thus generated. The number of cars that various government functionaries are entitled to must be reduced or controlled. I recently saw the cavalcade of the prime minister passing through the DHA comprising over 30 vehicles plus the deployment of over 3,000 policemen and traffic wardens. Of course, all these security arrangements need vehicles that ply to and fro all the time while the PM is in town. The increase in prices is heavily felt by the common man but probably not by the president or the PM whose petrol bills are fuelled by the national exchequer. The solution the government should self-apply is to tighten their own belts and cut down the royal entourage. Prices can be retained if austerity measures are observed by the government. MUHAMMAD AZHAR KHWAJA Lahore Like a bomb THE increase in petrol prices is like another bomb has struck the people. There have been protests all over the country. We all know it is a difficult situation. Protests should be heightened to make the government realise that we are a poor country and that most of us are poor. The public cannot chase the rising prices anymore. We simply cannot pay such huge taxes and then exorbitant bills of electricity, gas and petrol as well. Our leaders should pay heed to problems of the common man before announcing a rise in petrol prices. KASHISH ARIF Karachi 9.9 per cent THE government has increased the prices of all petroleum products by 9.9 per cent. According to economic analysts, this is the single biggest surge in oil prices in 32 months since July 2008, though it is also expected to generate about Rs5/6 billion revenue for the government. We are well aware that the main reason for this hike is the political turmoil in oil-producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa, but it doesn't mean the government put the entire burden on the public. There are many other steps that can be taken to tackle the problem rather than increase the prices. The question is where are the expensive advisers and the minister of the petroleum industry hired to present solutions to erratic price hikes? They don't get hefty salaries from the ministry not to work or come out with energy alternatives. DAUD BUTT Lahore