A record burst in the fuel prices has unleashed a wave of inflation, steep fare hikes and angry protest demonstrations across Pakistan, as citizens and transporters alike struggle to cope with the mounting economic pressure and unbridled prices.
The whopping rise in petroleum prices has prompted buses, minibuses, intra-city transport, auto-rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws, oil tankers, goods transporters and dumper operators to denounce the government’s decision while simultaneously increasing fares.
– 30% fares of buses increased in Karachi–
In Karachi, bus and minibus operators unilaterally raised fares by 20 to 30 percent following the fuel hike. Despite no official notification from the transport department, passengers on several routes have been charged up to Rs20 extra. The number of buses on roads has also declined, causing difficulties for commuters.
Chairman of the Private Transport Association Murad Khan Durrani rejected the increase in fuel prices, warning that transporters may park their vehicles instead of raising fares.
Passengers at Karachi Cantt Station expressed frustration, saying that earlier increases were already unbearable, and the latest hike has doubled their burden. Many citizens said their incomes have not kept pace with rising costs, leaving them disillusioned with the government.
–Unofficial increase in intercity, intra-city fares–
In Lahore, Qingqi rickshaw drivers have increased fares by 30 to 40 percent, citing the surge in petrol prices as unavoidable. Drivers said passengers often argue over higher fares, reflecting growing tension on the streets.
Intercity transporters in Lahore have also raised fares significantly, with increases reaching up to Rs2,500. At major bus terminals on Band Road, fares have been increased without formal approval. Public transport fares have risen by Rs1,000 to Rs2,500 on various routes.
The fare from Lahore to Karachi has jumped from Rs8,600 to Rs12,000, while Lahore to Islamabad has increased from Rs3,000 to Rs4,000. Similarly, fares to Peshawar, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan, Murree and Multan have all seen sharp increases.
–Transport authority’s reaction–
Secretary Regional Transport Authority Rana Mohsin said new fare lists are being prepared in consultation with transporters and that arbitrary fare increases will be stopped. He added that revised fares will be set in proportion to fuel price increases and will be officially implemented soon.
The impact of the fuel hike has been felt across smaller cities as well. In Arifwala, both citizens and transport owners expressed deep concern, saying it has become nearly impossible to run transport services.
–Wheels jam in DG Khan, fares increase in Muzaffargarh–
In Dera Ghazi Khan, the wheels of private and public transport came to a halt as transporters demanded a 60 percent increase in fares and suspended operations while awaiting revised rates.
In Muzaffargarh, rickshaw fares have increased significantly, with intra-city fares rising from Rs80 to Rs130, while fares to nearby areas have also surged. Daily commuters have been left struggling to manage their travel expenses.
–Oil tanker owners halt fuel loading–
Meanwhile, oil tanker owners in Karachi have halted fuel loading operations, demanding an increase in freight charges. Oil Tankers Contractors Association President Abidullah Afridi said that the sharp overnight increase in diesel prices has made operations unsustainable.
He added that tanker owners cannot bear losses and criticised the government’s proposed subsidy mechanism as unclear and impractical. The association has written to the chairman of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, demanding a revision of freight rates in line with new diesel prices.
–Protests erupted–
Protests have also erupted in different parts of the country. In Jacobabad, rickshaw drivers staged a sit-in against the fuel price hike, chanting slogans against the government.
Protesters said that they are already struggling to meet basic expenses, and the latest increase has made it even harder to feed their families. They warned that if fuel prices are not reduced immediately, the scope of protests will be expanded nationwide.
The ongoing crisis underscores the deepening economic strain on citizens and businesses, as rising fuel costs continue to ripple through every sector, intensifying inflation and public discontent.
—60% hike in goods transport fare–
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.
Karachi Dumper Association, Goods Carrier warns of countrywide protests:
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.
–Dumper Association, Goods Carrier warns of countrywide protests–
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.
