Transport fares have increased after the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices, creating more problems for passengers who are already facing high travel expenses locally.
In Lahore, the Regional Transport Authority held talks with transporters and allowed a limited fare increase of 3% to 4%. RTA Secretary Rana Mohsin stated that the transporters are not allowed to raise fares on their own. He warned of strict action against anyone charging more than the approved increase.
After the fuel price hike, public transporters increased fares for intercity travel. The fare from Lahore to Rawalpindi is now Rs2,340, while Lahore to Peshawar is Rs3,100. The fare from Lahore to Faisalabad and Sargodha is now Rs1,260, and Lahore to Karachi has increased to Rs9,720.
“According to Rana Mohsin, petroleum product prices have increased by 7.27%.”
Passengers said the increase has made travelling more difficult and expensive. Many people are already struggling with inflation, and this addition of higher fares has put more pressure on the locals.
Additionally, Goods transporters have also raised their charges. In Lahore, goods transport fares increased by around 5%, while in Karachi, Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced a 10% fare increase.
Transporters said their costs have risen sharply because of higher diesel prices. They also said the government should reduce fuel prices because expensive transport affects not only passengers but also the prices of goods in markets.
“The government subsidy of Rs80,000 is described as very low by Malik Shahzad Awan”.
Resultantly, the rise in fuel prices has directly affected transport fares across Pakistan and put pressure on the citizens. This will make travel and goods transportation more expensive, increasing the financial burden.
Petrol prices in Pakistan
The government has recently hiked petroleum rates by a considerable Rs26.77 per litre for both petrol and high-speed diesel.
The official statement mentions that the new prices have taken effect immediately, putting additional burden on the consumers who are already struggling with the high cost of living.
With the revision, petrol now costs Rs393.35 per litre, up from the previous Rs366.58 and high-speed diesel is now selling at Rs380.19 per litre (up from Rs353.42).
The hike is a result of the government’s fuel price adjustment, considering changes in international prices and the national currency’s exchange rate.
The increase is likely to impact various sectors of the economy, especially those related to transportation and logistics, which can result in the price increase of necessary goods.
The revised rates will be effective until the next adjustment, keeping inflation at the forefront of minds over the next few days.
Also read: Government revises petrol, diesel prices
