Former Finance Minister Criticizes Petrol Price Hike, Says It Benefits Oil Companies Over Public

Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has criticized the recent increase in petroleum product prices, saying it primarily benefits oil companies rather than the public.

He stated that the petrol and diesel currently being sold by oil companies were purchased at lower prices **before February 28**, and there was **no need to raise prices** at this time to give companies additional profits.

Miftah Ismail compared the decision to the government’s earlier policy of allowing sugar mills to export sugar, which **increased profits for mill owners but harmed the public**.

He warned that **hiking petroleum prices now would similarly burden consumers while enriching oil companies**. ⛽📈