The recent surge in petroleum price has drawn a sharp reaction from traders, transporters, business community and general public, who vehemently rejected the increase and termed it anti-people during the holy month of Ramazan.
The common man had facing immense troubles in earning two-time meal for his family in this era whereas the government was sucking blood of the poor by increasing the prices of petroleum products, said a large number of people belonging to various walks in Multan on Thursday.
The business community in the city also condemned the government's decision to swell the prices of oil products, as according to them, it would have worst effects on the overall economy and hit industrial and agricultural sectors badly. The businessmen said the government had unnecessarily jacked up the petroleum prices and this would further accelerate the inflation during Ramazan.
Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Mian Anis'A Sheikh rejected the increase in petroleum prices and said that despite the decrease of 1.11 dollars in international market the government decision was unjustified. "The business community takes it as 'hike-bomb' blasted on the poor masses in Ramazan, as they are already facing immense price hike on food items in the said month," Bhatti said. Sheikh said the government claimed that oil prices were linked with the international market but even though the oil prices reduction in the international market the government increased the rates which was beyond comprehension and proved that government was making false claims. He said the government must provide relief to the masses in Ramazan and withdraw its decision at earliest.
The MCCI President said that the said decision would add to the sufferings of the common man and the government just to fulfil its luxuries and expenditures burdening the public. He demanded early withdrawal of the said decision and also demanded that relief must be provided to the masses on food item as well.