Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday directed the provincial governments to pass on the benefits of a substantial reduction in petroleum prices to people. In a letter addressed to the Chief Ministers of all provinces, the Prime Minister said the federal government has provided an opportunity for public relief and the provincial governments are now required to ensure actual delivery of "full range of benefits to people."

"This should now translate into better relief measures for the citizens of Pakistan," he said. The Prime Minister said in the past eight months, the prices of petroleum products had been reduced significantly. He said an overall decrease in petroleum prices since March 2014 was Rs 18.57, while in case of HSD and LSD, it was Rs 15.54 and Rs 16.85, respectively.

He said the role of the provincial governments in this connection is crucial and now people expect a significant reduction in fares of urban, inter-city and goods transport. He said people also expect lower prices of all commodities due to reduced transport costs. The Prime Minister asked the Chief Ministers to take personal interest in the issue so as to provide immediate relief to people.

Copyright News Network International, 2014