Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has announced a 65 percent increase in freight charges.
The fare from Lahore to Karachi has increased from Rs110,000 to Rs180,000, while the Lahore to Islamabad fare has been revised from Rs80,000 to Rs120,000.
Similarly, the Lahore to Peshawar fare has been raised from Rs100,000 to Rs150,000, Lahore to Quetta from Rs160,000 to Rs230,000, and Lahore to Multan from Rs60,000 to Rs90,000. Central President Nabeel Tariq Mahmood said that the increase in diesel prices has severely damaged business operations.
On the other hand, Pakistan Goods Alliance has also announced a 60 percent increase in transport fares following the rise in petroleum product prices.
President Pakistan Goods Alliance Malik Shehzad said the group condemns the increase in petroleum prices, warning that it will trigger a surge in inflation across the country. He added that government policies are leading to unemployment for millions, and if the situation is not reviewed, transport operations in Pakistan could come to a halt.
Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association has called an emergency meeting today in response to the increase in diesel prices. The association stated that fares cannot be increased in proportion to diesel price hikes and suggested that the government should directly advise transporters to shut down their businesses.
Meanwhile, the price of jet fuel for commercial flights has been increased significantly for the sixth time in a month. According to sources, jet fuel has gone up by Rs40 per litre, pushing the new price to a record Rs517.17 per litre.
Since March 1, jet fuel prices have increased by a total of Rs329.17 per litre, compared to Rs188 per litre at the start of the month. The continuous rise in jet fuel prices is expected to put upward pressure on airline ticket fares.