Transporters announce 10% fare increase after diesel price hike

Transporters have announced a 10% fare increase after diesel prices rose by around PKR 18 over the past 17 days, saying higher fuel costs have made existing fares difficult to sustain. The move follows repeated objections to frequent fuel price changes and comes as transporters press the government to fully implement a written agreement reached after their recent strike.

Why did transporters announce a 10% fare increase?

Transporters say higher diesel costs have raised operating expenses and made current fares increasingly difficult to maintain. Muhammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate said diesel prices climbed by around PKR 18 in 17 days. He said transporters have therefore jointly announced a 10% increase in fares as their operating costs rise.

Chaudhry strongly criticized frequent increases in diesel prices, saying transporters have repeatedly opposed the practice of changing fuel prices on a daily basis.

He said rising diesel prices directly affect transportation fares and make it increasingly difficult for operators to continue providing services at existing rates. The 10% fare increase is also likely to add to the financial burden on passengers.

Chaudhry urged the government to immediately reduce diesel prices and change the way fuel prices are revised. He said prices should ideally be revised once every 15 days rather than daily.

He also called for full implementation of the written agreement reached between transporters and the government following the recent strike. According to Chaudhry, the government has implemented some of the agreed demands, which transporters have welcomed, but several important provisions remain pending.

Could transporters resume their strike?

Transporters had postponed their strike for 40 days after reaching the written agreement with the government. Chaudhry warned that failure to implement all provisions of the agreement could leave transporters with no option but to resume the strike.

He called on the government to reduce diesel prices, address the difficulties facing transporters and ensure full implementation of the agreement. He said these steps were necessary to prevent another disruption to public transport services.