The opposition has lambasted the PTI-led government for the increase in petroleum products price and the electricity tariff, amid the rising inflation in the country. It termed such a move as ‘economic murder’ of the people.

The incumbent government on late Saturday night raised the price of petrol by around Rs3 per litre, read a notification issued by the Finance Division. The new prices are effective from today (January 16). The Finance Division reasoned that “petroleum products are showing [a] fourth straight weekly gain and witnessed an increase of 6.2 per cent [...] last week in the international market.”

In an electric shock to the people, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority on Thursday allowed ex-Wapda distribution companies an increase of Rs4.3 per unit in power tariff on account of monthly fuel cost adjustment.

The PTI-led government for the second time this year has increased POL price after raising the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs4 per litre on December 31 that was dubbed as a “new year gift” by the opposition leaders.

Reacting to the recent development, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said: “After an increase of more than four rupees in electricity prices, now an increase in prices of petroleum products by more than three rupees is an economic murder of the people.”

In a statement, shared by the PPP Media Cell on Twitter, he slammed the government for such increases in basic utilities and recalled them that it would have a direct impact on the people. He alleged that the government has mortgaged the country.

“[PM] Imran’s government will bear the brunt of the increase in petrol and electricity prices from February 27. Enough is enough, people will leave for Islamabad on February 27 and will hold the premier responsible for inflation,” Bilawal said.

Moreover, Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif also used the term “economic murder of the people” and lamented that the government did not provide any relief to the government.

“The government, mired in incompetence, incompetence and corruption, has plunged the people into a quagmire of inflation,” he said in a tweet.

Shehbaz, who is also the PML-N president, alleged that the government by increasing the electricity tariff was protecting the interests of its “financers and donors.” He further alleged that the government was oblivious to the people’s plight.