Opposition lawmakers in Punjab and Sindh have raised the issue of the meagre reduction in petrol, oil and lubricant (POL) prices in their respective provincial Assemblies. Despite an unprecedented reduction in oil prices in the international market, the government has not passed on the full relief to the masses. This time a paltry reduction has been made in the prices of POL instead of 10 percent as proposed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). In the summary, OGRA recommended a decrease in the price of petrol of Rs 7.56, high speed diesel and high octane of Rs 10.15, and kerosene of Rs 8.17 from February 1. However, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced a reduction in POL prices by Rs 5 per litre on all categories of petroleum products including petrol and diesel. The decision reflects the priorities of the government, which holds its own interests supreme while withholding any relief to the masses. In order to meet its ambitious revenue targets, the government has imposed exorbitant GST and excise duty on POL products that are the highest in the region. There is no logical justification for such an increase. Possibly, the government is perturbed about meeting the ambitious revenue targets, which have been set on the instructions of the International Monetary Fund. The sale of POL is a cash cow for the Ministry of Finance as 25 percent revenue comes from the oil and gas sector. There is no reason to withhold the complete benefit of a fall in oil prices. The government needs to understand that if it adopts the international trend of prices reduction for the local market, it can give the necessary impetus to the national economy and help ease the economic recession. It is very unfortunate that despite a 40-50 percent decrease in oil prices in the international market, the impact of this huge reduction has not been witnessed on the inflation rate. No considerable cut in the prices of daily use commodities and transportation fares has been in evidence. The rulers must look for other means for raising cash and meeting revenue targets instead of burdening the masses with more taxes. The government needs to reduce its unnecessary expenditures and adopt austerity measures. These self-centred decisions will have a negative impact on the overall economy. It is not a caring attitude by the federal government and not a sagacious solution to the present recession. In fact by making such decisions, the government is inviting more trouble for itself. *