Pakistan is facing a transportation cost surge after the recent diesel price increase, pushing goods transport freight rates and passenger fares sharply higher. The fuel price hike impact is being felt across logistics, public transport, and commercial shipping sectors, fueling public concern over rising inflation.
Goods Transport Freight Rates Increase by Up to 25%
The rise in petroleum product prices has forced goods transporters to raise freight charges by an average of 25%, significantly affecting intercity cargo movement.
Key freight rate changes include:
- Lahore–Karachi 20 ft Mazda container:
Increased from ₨72,000–85,000 → ₨90,000–106,250 - Lahore–Karachi 40 ft high cube container:
Increased from ₨100,000–120,000 → ₨125,000–150,000 - Lahore–Karachi truck load:
Increased from ₨108,000 → approximately ₨135,000 - Lahore–Islamabad/RW 16–18 ft Mazda:
Increased from ₨35,000–45,000 → ₨43,750–56,250 - Lahore–Quetta truck freight:
Increased from ₨130,000 → around ₨162,500
Transport operators warned that rising diesel prices and spare parts costs are making business operations difficult.
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Public Transport Fares Also Rise After Petroleum Price Surge
Following the fuel price increase, public transport operators also imposed fare hikes ranging from ₨300 to ₨600 on various routes.
Major passenger fare revisions include:
- Lahore → Islamabad: ₨2600 → ₨3000
- Lahore → Peshawar: ₨2890 → ₨3500
- Lahore → Karachi: ₨8000 → ₨8600
- Lahore → Hyderabad: ₨8650 → ₨9200
- Lahore → Murree: ₨2790 → ₨3300
- Lahore → Sargodha: ₨1300 → ₨1550
- Lahore → Faisalabad: ₨1200 → ₨1350
Passengers at bus terminals expressed frustration, stating that rising inflation is making travel difficult for ordinary citizens.
Transporters Announce Further Fare Hike Plans
The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance president warned of a 20% nationwide freight increase if fuel prices remain high.
Transport leader Malik Shehzad Awan said diesel prices rose by ₨78 per litre in two months, while petrol increased by ₨68 per litre, severely raising operational costs.
He demanded government relief through:
- Reduction in toll taxes
- Review of petroleum taxation
- Implementation of previous transport agreements
Awan warned that if policies are not revised, nationwide transport shutdowns may be considered.
Economic Impact of Fuel Price Increase
The continuous rise in fuel costs and inflation is expected to:
- Increase logistics expenses
- Raise consumer goods prices
- Pressure small businesses
- Reduce transport affordability
Transporters argue that Pakistan’s economic stability depends on balanced fuel pricing and policy consistency.
