In response to recent government fuel price increases, goods transporters announced on Friday that freight charges will rise by as much as 60 percent. The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance highlighted that the surge in petroleum costs will exacerbate inflation across the country.
Malik Shehzad, president of the alliance, warned that ongoing government policies are causing widespread job losses. He cautioned that without reconsideration of the decision, the nation’s transport system risks a complete shutdown.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Public Transport Owners’ Association convened an emergency meeting following the sharp diesel price hike. The association expressed concerns that fare adjustments cannot keep pace with escalating fuel costs and urged the government to clarify whether operators should continue their services under current conditions.
In a significant development, the Oil Tanker Contractors Association declared it would suspend fuel deliveries starting Saturday unless transport fares are increased. Abdullah Afridi, the association’s president, stated that current freight rates are unsustainable, making tanker operations financially unviable.
He emphasized that halting fuel transport could disrupt supplies nationwide, including in key regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Afridi noted that despite a week of communications with authorities and repeated appeals to the petroleum minister, no resolution has been reached.
Afridi warned that failure to meet their demands would prompt a nationwide strike and protests, urging tanker owners to keep their vehicles off the roads to avoid losses.
Simultaneously, jet fuel prices have surged for the sixth time within a month, climbing by Rs40 per litre to a record Rs517.17. Since March 1, jet fuel costs have risen by Rs329.17 per litre, up from Rs188 at the start of the month.
Aviation insiders cautioned that these escalating fuel expenses will significantly increase airline operating costs, likely resulting in higher ticket prices for both domestic and international flights. They warned that if the trend persists, passengers will face substantially more expensive air travel in the near future.
Experts highlight that the rising fuel prices could place additional pressure on Pakistan’s fragile economy, driving up transportation costs and overall inflation.
