The Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) has called on the federal government to immediately reverse the recent hike in petroleum product prices, warning of possible disruption to transport services if their demands are not met.
An emergency meeting of the KTI was convened under the leadership of Patron-in-Chief Mehmood Afridi and President Haji Muhammad Tawab Khan. During the meeting, members expressed strong dissatisfaction with the repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices over the past month, describing them as a blow to an already struggling transport sector.
KTI leaders noted that the fuel hikes have had a cascading effect, forcing fare increases that directly impact the public. They emphasized that transporters, particularly those operating public buses, minibuses, and commercial vehicles, are already facing financial pressure due to inflation, poor infrastructure, and lack of support from the government.
The union questioned the rationale behind the price hike, especially when global oil prices are on the decline. They termed the government’s move as “beyond comprehension” and said it reflects poor policymaking at the expense of both workers and commuters.
KTI officials demanded an immediate rollback of the latest fuel price increase. They warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they reserve the right to take any form of protest action necessary, including strikes or road blockades. They added that any consequences arising from such action would fall squarely on the shoulders of the government.