The Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) on Saturday challenged the recent hike in prices of petroleum products by the government in the Supreme Court (SC) Lahore registry. The party through its legal advisor, Mian Asif Mehmood Advocate challenged the fresh increase by government in prices of petroleum commodities in Lahore Supreme court registry, said in a press release issued here.

The petition filed in SC LHC Registry stated that the price of petroleum products is gradually increasing in Pakistan despite their reduction in International market. It further added the government is collecting hefty amount per annum by imposition of tax on petroleum commodities. Besides, the petition said annual levy and sale tax being charged additional on POL products.

Advocate Asif Mehmood who is also the ATP Central Punjab president said the oil supply is being carried through private mafia, which also collecting Rs20 per litre as extortion. The legal advisor said prices of essential food items have increased due to increasing rates of POL products by government.

He said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) has admitted that it is not fixing prices so who is imposing additional and irrational taxes against the government budget and achievement of tax revenue targets. "Where this huge amount is going", he asked.

The legal advisor proposed that the appointing of federal trade commission to determine prices of daily use items on regular basis and to ensure their availability on subsidized rates to give relief to poor masses.