ISLAMABAD: After receiving widespread criticism from the general public, his party’s supremo Nawaz Sharif and a strong coalition partner — PPP, for raising the prices of petroleum products at a time when the commodity’s rates are falling in the international market, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Tuesday defended his decision, saying, “I fully stand behind the government’s every decision.”
The government jacked up Monday night the price of petrol by Rs6.72 per litre for the next fortnight, taking it to 233.91 per litre, while the rate of diesel was also moved up to 244.44 per litre.
Addressing a press conference, the finance minister clarified that he had not stated that he would not be increasing the price of petroleum products.
“I had never said that I will not increase the price of petrol, I had stated that I will not be imposing taxes [on petroleum products] further,” Miftah said.
“I stand behind every decision of the government with full responsibility,” the finance minister said, noting that no economic decision was taken without his input.
More to follow….
