ISLAMABAD: Federal Government Spokesman and Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid has rejected the criticism of increase in petroleum prices as totally uncalled for.
In a statement in Islamabad on Sunday‚ he said there is no formula to provide petrol to consumers at a rate lower than the purchasing price.
The Minister said if the critics have such a formula‚ they should share it with the government‚ which will implement it. The minister said changes in petroleum prices are linked with international market and prices within the country have to be adjusted accordingly.
Pervaiz Rashid said the government is pursuing economic policies aimed at enhancing purchasing power of the people.
He expressed the hope that completion of economic projects of the government will increase purchasing power of the people and stabilize the prices.
The Minister said the government wants to facilitate the people in every possible way‚ which is why it is providing electricity to the consumers at rates much lower than actual cost of production. He said the government is paying annual subsidy of 170 billion rupees on electricity.
