The government has defended its recent decision to raise fuel prices, acknowledging the move will likely increase the financial burden on many citizens but emphasizing it was unavoidable. Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on information and broadcasting, addressed the issue during a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

Ur Rahman stressed that the government was fully aware of the difficulties the price hike would cause but maintained that no viable alternatives were available. He also highlighted the timing of the decision, noting that local government elections are approaching, and argued that no government would purposely implement a deeply unpopular measure just before elections.

“I hope the people will realise why their elected government took this decision at this moment,” Ur Rahman said in response to questions from journalists.

Amid speculation about external pressures, the adviser clarified that the fuel price increase was not mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of any funding conditions.

The government’s announcement has prompted concern among citizens who are already facing economic challenges, with critics arguing that rising fuel costs will exacerbate inflation and negatively impact daily living expenses. The administration, however, maintains that the measure is necessary to address broader economic issues and sustain essential public services.