PM announces withdrawal of increase in petroleum prices
ISLAMABAD, Jan 6 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday announced withdrawal of recent increase in petroleum prices and restored the prices as on October 31. “The prices were increased on the recommendations of OGRA and keeping in view the prices in international market. Considering the public interest and suggestion of the political leadership I announce restoration of petroleum prices as on October 31.”
He said there was a great pressure from the political parties, coalition and civil society for the withdrawal of increase in petroleum prices.
He said the political parties also showed concern during the National Assembly session held on Monday but he was not in the House.
“I came to know that ANP leader Asfand Yar Wali convinced all the parliamentary leaders that we may ask the Prime Minister on the other day to give us briefing on the issue along with the economic team.”
“I want to take the nation into confidence that we asked all the parliamentary leaders to meet in parliament here on today (on Thursday) to chalk out a strategy. Minister for Finance along with his team briefed and taken into confidence the parliamentary leaders on country’s economic situation and increase in petroleum prices,” he added.
The Prime Minister appreciated the country’s political leadership for showing sagacity.
“It is sagacity of the political leadership whether they are in opposition or coalition they showed concern and they were briefed by the Minister for Finance and his team. With their senses it was decided that the prices of petroleum products should be restored as on December 31, although the prices was set on October 31.”