Petrol Price Hike Challenged in Lahore High Court
A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the recent increase in petrol prices announced by the federal government. The petitioner has urged the court to seek a formal response from the government, claiming that the hike is unconstitutional and not in public interest.
The petition alleges that the government raised petrol prices without a transparent pricing mechanism or adequate constitutional justification, resulting in a negative impact on the fundamental rights of citizens. It argues that the continued increase of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) lacks legal authority, as only the parliament is empowered to approve such changes, and the federal government cannot make such decisions unilaterally.
The petitioner further contended that the rising petrol prices have exacerbated the current economic challenges faced by several sectors, including transport, food, agriculture, and electricity. It was also highlighted that Pakistan’s petrol prices are higher than those in neighboring countries, which is detrimental to the national economy.
Additionally, the petition noted that the legal status of the petroleum levy is already under review by the Lahore High Court. The petitioner expressed concern that ongoing increases in petrol prices during these judicial proceedings could influence the outcome.
In light of these concerns, the petitioner requested the court to immediately halt the recent price increase and direct the government to establish a clear pricing formula developed in consultation with parliament.
This development comes amid growing public and political scrutiny over energy pricing policies as Pakistan navigates economic pressures and inflationary trends.