A sharp increase in petroleum product prices has triggered a strong backlash from transporters and citizens across Pakistan, with the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announcing a staggering 60 percent increase in freight fares on Friday.
The move comes as rising fuel costs continue to squeeze both businesses and households already grappling with high inflation, especially with last night’s fuel price surge.
Transporters in Karachi reacted strongly to the latest hike, with Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance central leader Malik Shahzad Awan declaring that fares would be increased by up to 60 percent due to escalating operational costs.
He condemned the government’s decision, pointing out that diesel prices have surged by Rs263 over the past three months, making it increasingly difficult for goods transporters to sustain their operations.
Awan called on the government to abolish toll taxes and other levies and to suspend motorway and traffic fines to provide immediate relief to the transport sector.
He warned that failure to review current policies could disrupt the country’s transport system, further aggravating economic challenges.
Echoing similar concerns, senior vice president of the Goods Carrier Association, Safeer Shaheen, criticised the fuel price hike, stating that operating freight vehicles has become nearly impossible due to the soaring cost of diesel.
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.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, 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.
