Passing on relief |
ON Wednesday, Ogra announced a Rs32.63 reduction in high-speed diesel prices — from Rs395.69 to Rs363.06 per litre — alongside a Rs2.97 increase in petrol prices. It presented the move as major relief for the public. It is, in a sense. Diesel prices have a broad impact because the fuel is widely used by heavy transport, power plants and large generators. Yet, real relief will materialise only if the reduction in diesel prices translates into corresponding lower transport and freight fares and, in turn, cheaper everyday goods, particularly food. Pakistan’s fuel pricing follows a familiar pattern. When........