Fuel price hike triggers transport fare increase, strike fears

LAHORE – The continuous rise in petroleum prices has begun taking a serious toll on Pakistan’s transport sector, with goods transporters warning that increasing operational expenses are making business unsustainable and adding further pressure on trade and supply chains across Pakistan. Transporters have announced a 4 per cent increase in goods freight charges following the latest hike in fuel prices. The decision is expected to affect the movement of commodities and increase transportation costs for businesses already struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty. Transporters’ leader Malik Shahzad Awan said the sharp increase in diesel and petrol prices had badly affected the sector, forcing transport operators to rethink their business operations. He said transporters were facing mounting financial pressure due to high fuel costs, taxes and penalties imposed on commercial vehicles. “Transporters are left with no option but to increase fares because operating vehicles has become extremely expensive,” he said, adding that many vehicle owners were parking their trucks due to rising expenses and declining profits. He criticised government policies and demanded the immediate withdrawal of toll tax, withholding tax and traffic challans, saying such measures were adding to the burden on transporters instead of providing relief. According to the transporters, the increase in freight charges could also trigger a rise in the prices of essential goods as transportation costs are directly linked to market rates. Traders and business owners fear that higher logistics expenses may ultimately be passed on to consumers. Malik Shahzad Awan warned that if the government failed to review its policies and provide relief to the transport sector, transporters could announce a nationwide strike. He said continued fuel price hikes had become unbearable and that the sector was not receiving any support despite playing a vital role in the country’s economy. The industry represe