Karachi goods transporters have urged the federal government to further reduce diesel prices before considering any cut in freight charges.
According to details, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan, welcomed the recent reduction in diesel prices but stated that transport fares would remain unchanged for now.
He said that due to ongoing conflict-related conditions, import and export activities in the country have significantly declined, forcing transporters to park thousands of vehicles due to a lack of business. He added that no meaningful relief has been provided to the sector by the government.
Awan said transporters are currently operating at a loss in the broader national interest.
He noted that diesel prices had earlier been increased by Rs263 per litre, followed by reductions of Rs135 last week and Rs32.12 more recently. He emphasised that fares would only be reduced once diesel prices fall further.
He also expressed hope that the government would continue to lower petroleum prices and reiterated demands for relief in withholding tax, toll taxes, and what he described as unjust fines imposed by traffic and motorway police.
