Fuel surge drives goods transport fares up 60%

Pakistanis are feeling the pinch as fuel prices continue to climb, and now the cost of moving goods across the country is set to rise sharply too. The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced a 60 percent increase in freight fares, a decision that is bound to affect the price of everyday items for ordinary citizens.

Transporters say they have been pushed to the wall. Malik Shahzad Awan, a central leader of the Alliance, explained that diesel prices have jumped by Rs263 in just three months, making it nearly impossible to keep trucks on the road without raising fares. “We had no choice,” he said, reflecting the frustration shared by thousands of transporters struggling to stay afloat.

Awan urged the government to step in with meaningful relief, calling for the removal of toll taxes, other levies, and a pause on motorway and traffic fines. He cautioned that without a serious policy review, the entire transport network could face serious disruption, which would only deepen the country’s economic troubles.

Safeer Shaheen, senior vice president of the Goods Carrier Association, echoed these concerns, stressing that running freight vehicles has become an uphill battle with diesel costs spiraling out of control.

For businesses and households already stretched thin by high inflation, this latest development is yet another blow, raising fresh fears about further price hikes on essential goods in the days ahead.

Safeer Shaheen said that a cabinet meeting of the association would be convened, and any further increase in fares would be decided after consultation.

Meanwhile, the Dumper Association also condemned the price hike, terming it an anti-public measure. Association President Liaqat Mehsud warned that if prices are not reduced, transporters will be compelled to launch nationwide protests.

He stressed that the increase has placed an additional burden on poor citizens, transporters, and the labour class, who are already struggling under the weight of inflation.

Mehsud added that the situation has worsened to the extent that many people are being pushed towards hunger, highlighting the severity of the economic strain on vulnerable segments of society.

The impact of rising fuel prices is being felt acutely by ordinary citizens as well. In Lahore, residents expressed deep frustration over the escalating cost of living, saying that earning a livelihood has become increasingly difficult, and even managing household expenses is now a challenge.

Govt hikes petrol to Rs458.41 and diesel to Rs520.35 per litre

Citizens complained that salaries remain unchanged while expenses have doubled, leaving the public in a state of helplessness.

The recent increase saw petrol prices rise by Rs137 and diesel by Rs184.49, bringing the new petrol price to Rs458.40 per litre.

The surge in fuel prices has triggered widespread anger and anxiety among the public, with many saying that each new increase only adds to their hardships.

Citizens warned that the continuous rise in prices is intensifying their financial difficulties and making everyday survival increasingly uncertain.