00:00Pakistan has sharply raised petrol and diesel prices,
00:03with petrol up about 42% and diesel by 54% nationwide.
00:09Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaez Malik says the government is trying to protect citizens
00:14within budget limits but has been forced to pass on the increase due to limited resources.
00:21Malik added there is no clear end in sight to the Middle East conflict,
00:25which has further limited the government's ability to absorb rising fuel costs.
00:30Pakistan, heavily reliant on imported oil and gas,
00:34had already raised fuel prices by 20% on March 6,
00:38shortly after the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began.
00:42Magamun has also introduced austerity measures,
00:44including a four-day work week for offices and extended school closures,
00:49with some lessons moving online.
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