The goods transporters from all across Pakistan have urged the government to withdraw its decision to change the price of petrol and diesel every day.
They asked the government to reconsider its decision to revise petroleum product prices on a daily basis, warning that frequent changes are creating difficulties for the transport sector.
Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan raised the issue during a meeting with Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, where he briefed the governor on the challenges facing the transport industry.
Awan said daily changes in fuel prices made it difficult for transporters to determine freight rates, negotiate cargo contracts and manage operating costs. He warned that the uncertainty was also affecting wider business activity.
The transport alliance has called for petroleum prices to be reviewed every 15 days or once a month, rather than being changed daily.
The group also sought relief from toll taxes, withholding tax and other government charges, saying such measures would help ease pressure on the transport industry.
Awan said a government agreement reached with transporters following a nationwide strike in December last year had still not been fully implemented.
He added that transporters had continued operating despite financial losses and other difficulties, saying they were keeping their vehicles on the roads in the broader national interest.
Governor Hashmi said the transport sector should cooperate with the federal government over difficult policy decisions. He said he had heard the transporters’ concerns and assured them that their legitimate demands would be conveyed to the relevant authorities.
He also pledged to make efforts to address the sector’s key concerns.
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