Speaking to a private TV channel, he stated that the prime minister rejected two proposals by OGRA to increase petrol and diesel prices, shifting an estimated burden of around Rs70 billion onto the government.
Kayani said that due to the ongoing conflict in the region, global economies are under pressure and oil prices continue to rise. However, he emphasized that the government’s top priority is to shield ordinary citizens from these impacts.
He explained that over the past two weeks, the government has absorbed significant financial pressure to maintain petroleum prices, first bearing Rs24 billion and then an additional Rs45 to Rs50 billion.
He added that approximately Rs9 billion generated from an increase in high-octane fuel prices will be used to offset the losses and provide subsidies to the general public.
Kayani noted that high-octane fuel is primarily used in luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW, and that affluent individuals who can afford such cars can also bear the additional cost.
Highlighting austerity measures, the minister said the government has imposed a complete ban on the use of high-octane fuel in official vehicles. Any government officer choosing to use it will have to pay for it personally.
He further revealed that the prime minister has formed a special committee to address the petroleum crisis, while also ordering that 60 percent of government vehicles be immediately grounded and fuel quotas for all departments be reduced by 50 percent.
According to Kayani, these steps are aimed at redirecting national resources from the elite toward public relief, ensuring that motorcyclists and small car users are protected from rising fuel costs.
