The leadership of the United Business Group (UBG) — including Zubair Tufail, Khalid Tawab, Hanif Gohar, and Syed Mazher Ali Nasir — has expressed deep concern over the recent increase in fuel prices, with petrol rising by Rs. 8.36 per litre and diesel by Rs. 10.30 per litre.

In a joint statement, the UBG leaders stated that the sharp hike in fuel prices will further strain Pakistan’s already fragile economy by increasing the cost of doing business, pushing transportation and logistics expenses upward, and driving inflation across essential sectors, including food, manufacturing, and services.

They warned that this move will negatively impact small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reduce the competitiveness of local industries, and burden the general public, especially in a time when economic recovery is already under pressure from multiple fronts.

President UBG Zubair Tufail urged the government to reconsider the pricing mechanism and explore alternative solutions — such as reducing indirect taxes or rationalising import costs — to avoid passing the full burden onto the business community and consumers.

They emphasised the importance of policy stability and cost containment to support trade, investment, and industrial productivity during this challenging economic period.