KARACHI: Goods transport operators across Pakistan have announced a 10 percent increase in freight charges following a sharp rise in petroleum product prices, further intensifying inflationary pressures in the country.
According to the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, the decision comes in response to the recent surge in petrol and diesel prices, which has significantly increased operational costs for transporters.
Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan strongly criticised the price hike, stating that continuous increases in petroleum prices are fueling an inflationary wave across the country. He said the transport sector is already under severe financial stress, with many operators running their vehicles at a loss.
He added that under the current circumstances, it has become impossible to continue operations at previous rates, forcing the industry to revise freight charges upward by 10 percent.
The transporters have urged the government to immediately reduce fuel prices to provide relief to both the public and the business community, warning that further increases in costs could worsen economic hardship for consumers.
Earlier, the government increased petrol prices by Rs26.77 per litre, while diesel prices were also raised by the same margin. Following the revision, petrol is now priced at Rs393.35 per litre and diesel at Rs380.19 per litre, according to the official notification issued by the Petroleum Division.
Officials have attributed the increase to rising global oil prices amid regional tensions and obligations under international supply agreements, which have limited the government’s ability to absorb the full impact of price fluctuations.
