Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan’s central leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has demanded that the government immediately raise the petrol price to Rs225 per litre, warning that if this demand is not met, the party will stage sit-ins outside the governor houses in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta as well as the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore on Friday, 16 August 2024. The protest will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the government accepts the demand, he said.

The announcement comes as the government has already increased the price of petrol by Rs20.50 per litre in the last two weeks, pushing the current price to Rs259.42 per litre for August 2024. Naeem-ur-Rehman argued that the latest hike has made life unbearable for the common citizen, adding that the government’s refusal to further increase the price to Rs225 is a betrayal of the people. “The government is protecting the interests of oil companies while the public is being crushed under inflation,” he stated.

What the Jamaat-e-Islami is demanding

  • Immediate petrol price hike to Rs225 per litre to offset inflation and provide relief to the public.
  • Sit-ins on 16 August 2024 at governor houses in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, and Punjab CM House in Lahore, starting at 10:00 AM.
  • No compromise until the government meets the demand, according to Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.

The party has also called on the public to join the protests and warned that if the government does not act, the movement will escalate nationwide. “We will not rest until the price is brought down to Rs225,” Naeem-ur-Rehman said.

Government response so far

The federal government has not yet responded to the demand. However, in the last two weeks, the Ministry of Finance has approved two petrol price hikes:

  • First hike (1 August 2024): Rs12.50 per litre increase.
  • Second hike (15 August 2024): Rs8 per litre increase.

The current price of Rs259.42 per litre is already the highest in Pakistan’s history. Analysts warn that another hike to Rs225 would push the price beyond Rs280 per litre, further straining household budgets already stretched by food inflation at 40% and electricity bills that have risen by 50% in the last year.

What this means for you

If the government accepts the Rs225 demand, here’s how it will hit your wallet:

  • Petrol price: Rs225 per litre (up from Rs259.42).
  • Impact on transport: Bus fares, rickshaw rates and delivery charges will rise by at least 20-30% immediately.
  • Food prices: Expect a fresh wave of inflation as transport costs feed into wholesale and retail prices within days.
  • Daily commuters: A typical Lahore to Islamabad round trip (300 km) will cost Rs1,200 more per month.
  • Motorcycle owners: Filling a 10-litre tank will cost Rs250 more each time.

The government has not announced any relief measures to counter the inflationary impact of a potential Rs225 price. The State Bank of Pakistan has already warned that inflation could cross 30% by the end of 2024 if fuel prices continue to rise.

What to watch next

  • 15 August 2024: The government’s next scheduled petrol price review. Any decision will be announced after market close.
  • 16 August 2024: Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-ins at governor houses and CM House Lahore. Traffic diversions and roadblocks are expected in all four cities.
  • 20 August 2024: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will release inflation data for July-August. Analysts expect a sharp spike.
  • 31 August 2024: The government’s mid-year budget review, where further subsidy cuts or tax increases could be announced.

What you can do

  • Follow updates: Check the official petrol price list on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) website.
  • Plan ahead: If you rely on petrol for daily commutes, consider carpooling, using public transport or adjusting travel plans around 16 August.
  • Join the conversation: Share your views on social media using #PetrolPriceRelief and tag @naeimurrehaman for Jamaat-e-Islami updates.
  • Stay informed: Monitor local news channels and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) inflation tracker for real-time updates.

Why this matters

This is not just about petrol. It’s about whether the government will listen to the people or continue to prioritise oil companies and international lenders over its own citizens. With inflation already at 40%, another fuel price hike will push millions below the poverty line. Jamaat-e-Islami’s protest is a direct challenge to the government’s economic policies—and the outcome will shape Pakistan’s inflation crisis for months to come.

The sit-ins on 16 August are a test of public anger. If the government ignores the demand, expect more protests, strikes and possibly a broader political crisis in the coming weeks.