ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik announced a diesel price cut of more than Rs32 per litre after local refineries agreed to reduce prices following government talks.
Malik said the agreement came after detailed discussions with oil refineries over supply pressures and rising fuel costs. He said the federal government would ensure that consumers would benefit from the reduction.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier directed officials to negotiate with refineries and explore measures to provide relief, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said.
Tarar said the prime minister also instructed officials to pass any negotiated relief on to the public. Malik said the federal government remained aware of the pressure higher fuel costs had placed on households and businesses.
Read: Pakistan Fuel Prices: Petrol Falls Rs1.70, Diesel Rises Rs1.39
He added that petroleum subsidies were among measures already being used to reduce the burden on consumers.
Read: Pakistan Fuel Prices: Petrol Down, Diesel Up Rs5.71
Meanwhile, Tarar said the government was working on further relief measures and expected to announce additional developments.