The recent increase in petroleum prices has started affecting Pakistan’s transport sector, with public transport fares rising in several cities following the latest diesel price hike.
In Lahore, public transporters have increased fares by 5 percent, while goods transporters and mini Mazda operators have raised charges by up to 10 percent due to higher fuel and operational costs.
Transporters implemented the revised fares from Friday after the federal government increased diesel prices by Rs. 15 per litre.
However, the Punjab Transport Department and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) have not officially approved any fare increase so far.
RTA Lahore Secretary Rana Mohsin said authorities would make a decision after consultations with transporters and relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Mini Mazda Association President Haji Sher Ali confirmed a 10 percent increase in mini Mazda fares in Lahore, stating that transporters could no longer operate under previous fare structures after the diesel price adjustment.
The impact of rising fuel costs has also spread to other cities. In Karachi, Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan announced a 4 percent increase in goods transport fares while criticizing government policies.
Transporters in Quetta also reported higher freight charges, citing increased diesel prices, salaries, and maintenance expenses.
Officials said goods transport fares for various intercity routes have increased by up to Rs. 10,000 after the latest fuel price hike.
Transporters warned that continued increases in diesel prices and operational costs could disrupt transport services if relief measures are not introduced.
