Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has reacted to an old video that resurfaced online following the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices.

Afridi addressed the issue on his X account, rejecting claims that he supported the fuel price hike and calling the narrative misleading.

He wrote that the video being shared was recorded before the latest increase in petroleum prices and was originally created as part of an awareness message on energy conservation.

“Some mischievous elements are trying to spread a false impression by sharing my old video, claiming that I was defending the increase in petrol prices,” Afridi wrote.

He further clarified that the message was prepared on the request of the Ministry of Information and focused on encouraging responsible energy use during a global energy crisis.

“The reality is that this video was made before the recent price hike. It was only an awareness message about energy saving and reducing fuel consumption, which was prepared on the request of the Ministry of Information (@AttaullahTarar),” he added.

Afridi also commented on the recent fuel price revision, saying the latest increase would place a heavy burden on the public and could not be justified.

“The recent increase in prices will severely affect the already burdened public, and it cannot be justified or defended,” he stated.

He also criticized the misuse of his old statement, saying it was being twisted for political purposes and misleading the public.

“For those who are misinformed or lacking understanding, let me clearly explain: using this message for malicious political purposes and twisting it to mislead the public is shameful and unacceptable,” he wrote.

The video being referred to shows Afridi speaking about the global energy crisis and urging citizens to support government efforts on energy conservation.

The clarification comes after the federal government announced a sharp rise in petroleum prices on Thursday night. 

Under the revised rates, petrol now stands at Rs 458.41 per litre, diesel at Rs 520.35 per litre, and kerosene oil at Rs 457.80 per litre.