Transporters Issue Final Ultimatum to Government Over Fuel Price Hikes

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters’ Alliance has issued a "final ultimatum" to the government regarding the recent increases in petroleum prices, according to available reports. This escalates their ongoing protest, which has already seen fare hikes in response to rising fuel costs.

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters’ Alliance has announced a 15 percent increase in fares in response to recent hikes in petroleum prices.

The decision follows a period of rising fuel costs that have put significant pressure on the transport sector.

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters’ Alliance has intensified its criticism of the federal government over frequent increases in petroleum prices, warning that transporters could take to the roads if prior agreements are not implemented.

Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan stated that the constant changes in diesel and petrol prices were damaging the transport sector and the broader economy. He noted that over the past 18 days, diesel prices had risen by Rs 23 per litre and petrol by Rs 25 per litre.

Awan recalled that during a nationwide strike in August, the petroleum minister had assured them that fuel prices would not be changed on a daily basis. He urged the minister to reconsider the government's policy, stating that while some demands from previous strikes had been met, most remained pending and required immediate action.

Following the increase in petroleum product prices, local transport operators have also raised passenger fares, adding to the financial burden on the public.

The government has increased the price of petrol by Rs 5.58 per litre, setting the new price at Rs 364.35 per litre. The price of high-speed diesel has also been raised by Rs 4.18, with the new price fixed at Rs 385.95 per litre.

According to the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, these latest changes contribute to a cumulative increase of Rs 19 per litre for diesel and Rs 20 per litre for petrol over the past 17 days.