LAHORE: A Special Branch report submitted to the provincial government warns that rising petroleum prices are pushing widespread inflation across Punjab, sharply raising transport costs and the prices of essential goods.
According to Urdu media report, a survey covering 38 districts found that inter-city bus fares rose by an average of 30 percent, while freight fares increased by up to 32 percent on average.
In Faisalabad, bus fares surged by 40 percent; Mazda truck fares climbed between 12 and 50 percent, large trailer fares increased by 13 to 100 percent, and oil tanker fares rose by 17 to 67 percent. The report links these fare increases to a 10 to 63 percent drop in passenger numbers and notes that bus operations have decreased in many districts by between 27 and 71 percent.
Prices of essential goods went up by an average of 25 percent, with the steepest jump recorded for tomatoes at 125 percent; potatoes, onions and other staples also rose noticeably, while flour prices remained broadly stable in most districts.
The report attributes these trends directly to higher petroleum costs, noting cascading effects through transport and supply chains that are increasingly burdening ordinary households across Punjab.
Provincial authorities have been asked to review the findings and consider mitigation measures to ease pressure on consumers and restore transport services.
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