Pakistan's fuel shock ripples through every ride

Islamabad: Public transport fares have increased across Pakistan following another significant hike in petroleum prices, with transport operators citing higher fuel costs for the revised rates, The Express Tribune reported.

According to The Express Tribune, the minimum stop-to-stop fare has been fixed at PKR 50, while goods transport charges have also risen sharply.

Freight charges for loaded trailers travelling from Karachi to Peshawar have increased to PKR 700,000, a move that has raised concerns among traders regarding fresh inflationary pressures, the report noted.


In Rawalpindi, local transport operators have increased fares by PKR 20 per passenger, while services operating to surrounding areas have raised fares by PKR 30 per passenger. Additionally, transporters have begun imposing extra charges for passengers' luggage.

The operators have started charging fares for children aged eight years and older, while long-route bus services have increased ticket prices by between PKR 100 and PKR 250 per passenger, The Express Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, the fare for AC coach services between Rawalpindi and Murree has been raised to PKR 700.

Local Qingqi rickshaws, bike taxis, and motorcycles have also increased their fares, while loader rickshaws have raised their loading charges by PKR 500, The Express Tribune reported.

These revisions follow the latest increase in petroleum prices, which has added to the cost burden on commuters and businesses amid broader inflationary pressures in the country.

These developments follow reports that petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan were likely to rise due to a recent surge in crude oil rates in the global market. The price of petrol was expected to increase by PKR 13, while rates for high-speed diesel were projected to rise by PKR 14, ARY News reported, citing sources.