THE rising fuel prices have once again placed low-income households, motorcyclists, small-scale transporters and daily-wage earners under pressure. The government`s targeted relief may provide temporary breathing space, but a larger question remains: how long can vulnerable segments depend on relief whenever fuel prices rise? Every petroleum price hike increases the burden on ordinary citizens. A meagre relief may not ease the burden on vulnerable families for long. For many, such assistance can become a drop in the ocean when transport, food and other household costs rise simultaneously. Instead of increasing petroleum prices and subsequently providing limited relief, would it not be possible to reduce the petroleum price itself? Relief is necessary during exceptional shocks, but it cannot become a permanentsolution. Long-term protection requires affordable transport, stronger social protection, energy efficiency and measures that increase household incomes. Otherwise, every fuel-price shock will bring another relief package, but the underlying vulnerability will remain unaddressed.

Shahnawaz Khoso Hyderabadsolution. Long-term protection requires affordable transport, stronger social protection, energy efficiency and measures that increase household incomes. Otherwise, every fuel-price shock will bring another relief package, but the underlying vulnerability will remain unaddressed.

Shahnawaz Khoso Hyderabad