People groan under raise in petrol prices

Rawalpindi

Government has increased POL prices for the fourth time in 45 days. This has disappointed the common man as it would bring another wave of rising prices. Transporters have increased fares by Rs10 per passenger without any permission from the authorities here on Wednesday.

Local private transporters have threatened wheel jam strike if the concerned authority does not allow increase in fare by Rs2 from one stop to the other. They have moved District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) in this regard. Similarly prices of vegetables, fruits and other items of daily use have also risen by Rs2 to Rs5 per kg at the fruit and vegetables markets 

Traders have warned that if the government continues with its plan to increase petroleum prices every fortnight, there would be a spate of rising prices of every commodity. 

The prices of petrol have been increased from Rs71.29 to Rs73, whereas high speed diesel (HSD) will now cost Rs82 after an increase of Rs1.52 per litre. Rates of kerosene oil and light diesel oil were also increased from Rs43.25 to Rs44 and from Rs43.34 to Rs44 respectively.

District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) Secretary Khalid Yameen told 'The News' that groups of transporters are continuously visiting his office and demanding increase in fares. He added that he was waiting for orders from Punjab Transport Authority (PTA). However he warned the transporters that they cannot increase fares of their own. 

People from all walks of life are infuriated with the unending series of raise in POL prices and they have sharply reacted to that. 

All Pakistan Traders Association (APTA) Chairman Shaikh Muhammad Siddique has warned that inflation flood is going to hit the common man soon. 

Muttahida Transport Welfare Association (MTWA) General Secretary Ghulam Mustafa has strongly condemned increase in petrol rates. "It seems that government has picked up pace to loot public with both hands through such measures and it would be difficult for transporters to maintain old fares with new prices of petrol, he said.

Taxi and rickshaw drivers too are demanding high fares. A number of women were witnessed arguing with taxi or rickshaw drivers.