Lahore [Pakistan], April 25 (ANI): A fresh increase in petroleum prices has pushed transport fares upward across Pakistan, placing an additional burden on commuters already grappling with inflationary pressures, Samaa TV reported.
In Lahore, talks between the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and transport operators produced a modest fare adjustment of 3–4 per cent. The meeting at Transport House saw RTA Secretary Rana Mohsin negotiate with transporters who had initially demanded steeper rises due to higher fuel costs. Authorities approved only a limited increase and warned against unauthorised fare hikes.
Rana Mohsin said no transporter would be permitted to charge beyond the approved range, warned of strict legal action against violators, and confirmed that revised fare lists would be implemented immediately.
Petroleum prices have surged by over 7 per cent, prompting the adjustment. Despite regulatory limits, passengers continue to feel the strain: some public transport operators have reportedly raised fares by around 5 per cent in practice, increasing the cost of daily and intercity travel. Commuters voiced frustration, saying frequent hikes are making travel increasingly unaffordable.
Intercity fares have risen noticeably. Tickets from Lahore to Rawalpindi have climbed to PKR 2,340, while travel to Peshawar now costs PKR 3,100. Fares to Faisalabad and Sargodha have risen to PKR 1,260, and the Lahore–Karachi route now stands at PKR 9,720 after a significant increase.
The ripple effects extend beyond passenger transport. Goods carriers and mini Mazda operators have also raised charges by about 5 per cent, citing higher diesel prices. In Karachi, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced a sharper 10 per cent hike.
Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan criticised the government’s fuel pricing approach, saying the current subsidy of PKR 80,000 is insufficient and claiming operational costs have surged—by as much as PKR 200,000 per trip. He warned that global tensions have disrupted nearly half of transport operations, compounding the crisis, Samaa TV reported. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
