LHC takes up plea against petroleum price hike

The Lahore High Court heard a petition challenging the recent hike in petroleum prices and sought replies from the federal government, OGRA, and other concerned authorities.

A two-member bench of the court, headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh, heard a petition challenging the recent increase in prices of petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products. The petition was filed by the public interest organization Judicial Activism Panel, which termed the price hike illegal, unjustified, and against the public interest.

During the hearing, the court took serious notice of the rising fuel prices and their impact on ordinary citizens. Consequently, the bench directed the federal government to submit a complete and detailed mechanism used for determining petroleum prices. The court emphasized that transparency was necessary to assess whether the additional financial burden placed on the public was based on clear and lawful grounds.

Moreover, the bench observed that fuel prices directly affect the cost of living and influence the prices of essential commodities. Therefore, the court stressed the need for accountability in price-setting decisions to protect citizens already struggling with inflation.

Meanwhile, the petitioner argued that the repeated increase in petroleum prices had become unbearable for the public. According to the petition, inflation has already weakened the purchasing power of citizens, while higher fuel prices further increase transport costs, electricity charges, and the prices of daily-use items. As a result, people face growing economic pressure in managing basic household expenses.

In addition, the petitioner maintained that the government failed to provide sufficient justification or relief measures before announcing the latest increase. The organization urged the court to intervene and ensure fair pricing practices that do not disproportionately harm low- and middle-income groups.