Transporters Raise Fares Up to 30% After Fuel Price Surge

The recent increase in petroleum prices has led transporters across Pakistan to raise fares by up to 30 percent, adding further pressure on consumers already struggling with high inflation.

Transport operators announced an immediate increase in inter-city fares, citing rising diesel costs and insufficient government support.

Asmatullah Niazi, chairman of the All Pakistan Bus Terminals Owners Association and Punjab Transport Owners Association, said transporters had no choice but to raise fares to manage operational expenses.

He added that the Punjab government’s monthly subsidy of Rs100,000 for buses and Rs70,000 for goods trucks does not cover fuel costs.

According to transporters, a single trip between Lahore and Islamabad consumes diesel worth nearly Rs120,000.

The fuel price hike has also increased freight charges by up to 40 percent, pushing up the cost of construction materials such as cement and crushed stone transported from different parts of Punjab to major cities.

Consumers have already started feeling the impact in markets. Shoppers reported a sharp rise in prices of vegetables, fruits, and other daily-use items.

Some buyers said vegetable prices increased by nearly 40 percent, while flour, rice, and other commodities rose between 20 and 40 percent in the open market.

Motorists also expressed frustration over the sudden increase in petrol prices. Some accused oil marketing companies and petrol pump owners of benefiting from abrupt price announcements that allow them to sell previously stocked fuel at higher rates.

Meanwhile, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that higher fuel prices could trigger another wave of inflation.

Business leaders said rising production and transport costs may hurt industrial productivity and reduce Pakistan’s competitiveness in export markets.

Political parties and business groups in Balochistan also rejected the fuel price increase, warning it would worsen inflation.

The Balochistan Goods Truck Owners Association announced a 60 percent increase in goods transport fares, saying the decision was unavoidable due to rising diesel costs.

Economists warn that the fuel price hike may further raise the cost of living and put additional pressure on households and businesses across the country.