The national railway announced a fare hike for both passengers and cargo. Economy class tickets rose by 5 percent while air-conditioned tickets went up by 10 percent. Cargo train rates also jumped 20 percent, said a Pakistan Railways spokesperson.

The new fares will start from Monday, March 9, but advance bookings are exempt from the increase. The spokesperson added, “Pakistan Railways will bear the additional burden of operational expenses of passenger trains.”

This decision follows a massive fuel price hike by the government, which raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs55 per litre, the largest increase ever. The ex-depot price of diesel is now Rs335.86 per litre, up from Rs280.86, a 20percent rise. Petrol has risen to Rs321.17 per litre from Rs266.17, reflecting a 17percent increase.

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Fuel supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, due to the US-Israel war impact on Iran, forced the government to revise prices. Pakistan relies heavily on this route for its oil supply.