LAHORE  - Transport workers and the general public have appreciated the government’s decision of reducing petroleum prices. They welcomed the decision of reduction in POL and CNG prices and termed it a positive step in the larger interest of trade, industry and the masses.
Talking to APP on Sunday, Muhammad Alam, an Adda manager; Shafiq Hussain, a bus driver; and Imtiaz Safdar, a helper; said that with reduction in oil prices, transport fares would decrease all over the country. They said that the government had taken a marvellous step for the welfare of people and everything would now be available at cheap prices. “The democratic government’s step will leave a positive impact on the national economy,” they viewed.
Passengers at the Lahore general bus stand said that the cost of logistics and transport used in handling import and export would also come down. Usman, Tahir, Asad, Iqbal, Moeen and other passengers told APP that people would have a better purchasing power due to direct and indirect effects of the cut in petroleum prices.
They said the reduction in fuel prices would encourage trade and industry. However, they suggested, petroleum prices should be on a par with international oil market prices and they should be fixed for at least three months for smooth and stable operation of transport. “The cut in prices of petroleum products and CNG will not only provide relief to the inflation-hit masses but also benefit almost all sectors of the economy” they added. Tahir, Bashir, Talha, Nazir and Umar Malik urged the government to further bring down prices of petroleum products.