Karachi, February 16, 2026 — Businessmen Panel Progressive (BMPP) has urged the government to immediately roll back the increase in petroleum product prices imposed from February 16, warning that the decision will further burden the public and businesses during the holy month of Ramazan.
The call was made by Khurram Ijaz, General Secretary of BMPP and former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). He said the recent hike should be withdrawn without delay to reduce inflationary pressure on consumers and support economic activity during Ramadan.
Khurram Ijaz cautioned that higher fuel prices would significantly increase production costs for businesses and industries, directly affecting consumers while also harming the national economy—particularly exports. He emphasized that rising petroleum prices translate into higher transportation costs, making the movement of raw materials and finished goods more expensive across supply chains.
He added that industrialists are already under severe strain due to elevated electricity and gas tariffs, and any further increase in petroleum prices would slow industrial activity and weaken growth momentum.
Expressing serious concern, Khurram Ijaz warned that if the current situation persists, exports could suffer badly, local industries may lose competitiveness in global markets, and unemployment could rise, deepening economic challenges for the country.