Awaam Pakistan President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday urged the government to deregulate petroleum prices and promote electric vehicles (EVs) to offset the economic impact of rising oil prices amid the United States–Israel conflict with Iran.
He said global oil price hikes have pushed fuel costs in Pakistan to record levels, with petrol rising to Rs378 per litre and diesel exceeding Rs520. Speaking in Islamabad, Abbasi argued that the government should leave pricing to the market and focus on incentivising EVs, particularly motorcycles, citing China as a model.
He also criticised provincial relief measures, warning that corruption would limit public benefit, and faulted the government for inconsistent fuel policies. Abbasi stressed that stable, long-term planning is needed instead of abrupt price hikes.
The recent increases drew strong opposition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamaat-e-Islami. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later reduced the petroleum levy by Rs80 per litre, setting petrol at Rs378.
