Despite a significant reduction in global oil prices, the Pakistani government has failed to transfer this benefit to the public, drawing sharp criticism from Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor.

He expressed his disappointment, noting that while increases in global oil prices lead to immediate local price hikes, reductions are not passed on to consumers, constituting economic exploitation of the masses by their own government.

Shakoor in a statement highlighted the plight of Pakistani consumers, stating that both oil and sugar mafias exploit them without restraint. He accused sugar millers of raising prices during the holy month of Ramzan after being permitted to export sugar under the promise of stable local prices. Shakoor alleged that this exploitation was silently supported by both government and opposition members, who have stakes in sugar mills.

Further criticizing the power of these cartels, Shakoor lamented that no action is taken against them under competition and anti-cartel laws. He denounced the federal government’s role in these issues as shameful and demanded an immediate reduction in oil prices by at least Rs15 per liter.

Shakoor also called for legal action against sugar millers and traders, urging authorities to register FIRs and enforce jail terms for breaches in sugar price commitments.