KARACHI: Rejecting the recent “massive” hike in the prices of petroleum products, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the government was “robbing” people.

Lambasting the PTI government, Bilawal said that the incumbent rulers have brought the petrol prices to a record high in the country.

“The entire nation is crying due to record inflation and Khan Sahib is fiddling,” said the PPP chairman.

Talking about promises made by the PTI with the masses and tall claims of relief after the budget, Bilawal Bhutto asked, “Khan Sahib! When will the good days come for the nation?”

Petroleum Oil Lubricants’ prices in Pakistan lowest in the region

Meanwhile, Fawad Chauhdry has defended the increase saying oil prices in Pakistan are still the lowest in the region.

In a series of tweets on Thursday, the information minister said the country imports oil, hence, its prices will go up when these increase in the world market. This is the principle for the rest of the imports.

He said the real achievement is that the income of 75% of our population has also increased significantly.

Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said our purchasing power parity is better than that of India.

However, admitting the difficulties of the salaried class, he said 60% of the population is engaged with the agricultural sector, which has received an additional income of Rs11,00 billion rupees.

He said the income of millions of people associated with construction and industries has also increased.

Govt increases price of petrol by Rs5

Earlier on Wednesday, the government had announced a Rs5 increase in the price of petrol “owing to the fluctuations in petroleum prices in the international market and exchange rate variation”.

According to a notification by the Finance Division, besides petrol, an increase in other petroleum products will also be enforced starting September 16.

Petrol, with the Rs5 increase, will cost Rs123.30 per litre, whereas high-speed diesel, with an increase of Rs5.01, will cost Rs120.04 per litre.

In addition, kerosene will cost Rs5.46 more and will thus be priced at Rs96.26 per litre. While light diesel oil will become Rs5.92 dearer to cost Rs90.69 per litre.