LAHORE, Pakistan, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Government-mandated oil price increases, instituted last Saturday, have become a political issue in Pakistan.
Following an increase in international oil prices Pakistan's Pakistan People's Party-led government increased fuel prices by up to 9 percent, effective Jan. 1.
Sales of gasoline and diesel fuel were suspended at many stations across the country soon after reports of rise in prices of petroleum products aired on media as gas station owners waited to see how the price increases would be implemented.
A source within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Daily Times newspaper, expressed confidence in being able to convince the government to reverse the petroleum products price increases to their previous rate.
He added that the adjournment motion in the National Assembly introduced by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz against the recent petroleum price hikes would produce an "unprecedented result."
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz source said a favorable decision by Parliament would help the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party's image of a "friendly opposition," an important concern in the fractious world of Pakistani politics.
