Following the rise in diesel and kerosene prices, the price of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been raised Rs 10.50 per kg, which will further mean a rise in the price of LPG supplied to motorists. However, the main effect will be on the same consumer who was worst affected by the kerosene price rise, the person who does not have a Sui gas connection, and uses LPG cylinders or kerosene for cooking, that most basic of functions. These price rises have come at a time when the consumer, already badly hit by inflation, is fasting during Ramazan, and this rise, at a time when Eid, and extra Eid cooking, is round the corner. It must also be remembered that the economy is in no shape to face further inflation, as the country has just suffered its worst ever monsoon flooding, which alone has ensured that inflation will reach a startling 20 percent, and there will be particular pressure on food items, which will not only see a price rise, but also shortages. It should also be noted that LPG cylinders provide the only fuel for refugees, so the price increase will, among other things, make relief work that much more difficult and expensive. The government has already shown many times that it cares little for ordinary people, and its behaviour during the floods has been consistent with this. After allowing the fuel price rise, this increase in LPG prices shows its lack of concern for the fate of the ordinary consumer. By allowing this price rise, it is only making certain that the report about its decreasing chances of winning the next election will prove true. Another factor that needs consideration is that the price rises have all been ordered by the IMF, and it only recently granted Pakistan a further tranche. Pakistan must refuse this subjugation, and break with the IMF, if needs be, so that it can help its people. If the IMF, or any other institution, does not understand exactly how harrowing an experience Pakistan has been through, then Pakistan need not be so emphatic about meeting its conditionalities, especially where the public welfare is concerned.