Pakistan’s goods transport sector has announced a 15 percent increase in freight charges after the government raised prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene, adding to concerns over rising transportation and consumer costs.

The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance said the fare increase was unavoidable due to higher fuel expenses and growing operational costs. The decision is expected to impact the movement of goods across the country and could lead to further increases in the prices of essential commodities.

Speaking in Karachi, Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan criticized the government's taxation policies and demanded the immediate withdrawal of toll taxes and withholding taxes. He argued that transporters are receiving no relief despite facing mounting financial pressures.

Awan said many transport operators are struggling to keep their vehicles on the road and warned that current policies could force more transporters to suspend operations. He stressed that urgent support measures are needed to prevent further disruption in the logistics sector.

The announcement comes after the government increased petrol prices by Rs5.44 per litre and diesel prices by Rs31.05 per litre. Following the revision, petrol now costs Rs316.15 per litre, while high-speed diesel is priced at Rs354.35 per litre.

Kerosene also saw a major increase of Rs34.33 per litre, taking its new price to Rs276.66 per litre. The revised fuel prices are effective from July 18 to July 20.

Economic analysts warn that higher transport costs may trigger another wave of inflation, as increased freight charges are often passed on to consumers through higher prices of food, construction materials and other everyday goods.