KARACHI: The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance on Saturday announced a 10 per cent increase in freight rates across the country after the government jacked up petroleum product prices by Rs. 26.77 per litre for both petrol and diesel, a move transporters say will further fuel inflation and squeeze households already under strain.
Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said the relentless rise in petroleum prices was severely affecting the transport sector and cascading into higher costs for consumers. “These decisions are leading to rising unemployment and worsening inflation, which we strongly condemn,” he stated, while demanding the abolition of challans issued by motorway and traffic police.
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The hike in freight charges is expected to ripple through the economy, pushing up the cost of essential commodities transported by road.
Analysts warn that the adjustment will compound already elevated inflation, with kitchen budgets under pressure despite occasional weekly relief measures, as highlighted in recent reports. Diesel-fuelled distribution networks, including LPG supplies, have already hit historic highs, underscoring the strain on consumers.
With petrol now retailing at Rs393.35 per litre and diesel at Rs380.20 per litre following a sharp Rs26.77 increase announced last night, transporters argue that the government’s pricing policies are unsustainable. The Alliance’s decision signals a new round of cost escalation that will likely affect food, fuel, and other essentials, intensifying inflationary pressures at a time when households are already struggling to cope.
Economic observers caution that unless the government provides clarity on its pricing framework and relief measures, the upward spiral in transport and commodity costs could deepen public discontent and further destabilize the fragile economy.
https://archive.mmnews.tv/fuel-volatility-exposes-limits-of-pakistans-peace-mediator-ambitions/
