After announcing the steep reduction in petroleum prices two days ago, Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments to bring down the inflation rate on war footing.

In his message to the both provincial governments on Saturday, the prime minister has said that the layman should be benefited from the reduced prices in petroleum products. “The dividends of the reduced petroleum prices should be extended to the people,” he added.

Without explaining or pointing to any particular government, PM Imran said, “Whenever the prices of petroleum products are increased in the international markets, its prices are subsequently increased for the end-consumer in Pakistan.”

“But now since we have reduced the petroleum prices, the provincial governments must ensure the reduction should reflect in each product associated to transportation,” the PM said.

PM Imran also instructed the provincial authorities to work in collobaration with the district administration against those selling goods at exorbitant prices.

“You must ensure to bring down the prices to the market level, and wherever you find appropriate take stern action to ensure compliance.”

On Thursday last, the federal government had reduced the petrol price by Rs 15 per litre.

The PTI-led government announced reduction of Rs 15 per litre each in petrol and light diesel oil prices and Rs 30 per litre in kerosene oil price. The price of high-speed diesel (HSD) was slashed by Rs 27.15 per litre.

After decline in oil prices in the global market, it was expected that the price of the petroleum products in Pakistan would also be decreased.