PM directs cut in prices of essential commodities following drop in fuel rates.

ISLAMABAD -- After the substantial cut in fuel prices, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday ordered the reduction in the prices of essential commodities and services accordingly in an effort to provide relief to the masses.

For the current fortnight, the government has revised petroleum prices to provide much-awaited relief to the common man, reducing the per litre price of motor spirit oil (petrol) by Rs40 and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15.

As per the Finance Division's notification, the reduced prices of petrol and HSD would be applicable from October 16, and remain in effect for the next fortnight, with petrol available at Rs283.38 per litre and HSD at Rs303.18.

The interim premier directed the concerned authorities in the federal and provincial governments to activate a strict price control mechanism and ordered strict implementation of the directives.

"I urge all honourable chief ministers to ensure that prices of essential commodities and services are reduced correspondingly. All efforts should be directed towards transferring the benefit of [a] reduction in petroleum prices to the people of Pakistan. Strict implementation be ensured," PM Kakar wrote on X.

Earlier, the people welcomed the government's decision to reduce petroleum prices, viewing it as a much-needed relief to counter the adverse effects of high inflation on their daily routines.

The people said that any increase in petroleum prices resulted in a price hike for essential items and other commodities including public transportation fares, and shipping costs...