Pak SC seeks report on fuel price hike

As petroleum prices in Islamabad continue to increase, the Pakistan Supreme Court has directed authorities to submit an explanation.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Main Saqib Nisar conducted hearing of the suo motu case, Dunya News reported.

During the hearing, Nisar stated that the increase in fuel prices was causing hardship to common man, adding that the underprivileged population was being burdened due to the same.

The top judge has sought to take direct assistance from unbiased experts with regards to the process of import of petroleum products.

Earlier, the fuel prices were hiked by the government for the second time in a month, ahead of the general elections in 2018.

Petrol price reached Rs 99.50 per litre after a hike of Rs7.54 per litre while high-speed diesel reached Rs 119.50 after an increase of Rs 14.

The cost of light diesel stands at Rs 80.89 after a hike of Rs 5.92 and the kerosene price was Rs 87.70 after a raise of Rs 3.92.

On a related note, Pakistan will go to polls on July 25.