RAWALPINDI:
In response to the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices, transporters across the board on Tuesday raised fares on all long-route, inter-district, intra-city, and local routes, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Fares on all local routes in the twin cities were increased by Rs10 to Rs20. The sudden increase in fares led to frequent disputes between passengers and conductors throughout the day.
Pakistan Railways has also decided to increase fares, with an official circular expected within 24 hours. Intra-city transport services such as wagons, taxis, Suzuki vans, Qingqi rickshaws, and motorcycle ride-hailing services (like Bykea) all significantly raised their rates. As a result of higher transportation costs, prices of essential goods, including food items, fruits, and vegetables, are also expected to rise.
According to the Transport Federation, Intercity Transport Union, and Taxi Rickshaw Union, the fare hike was unavoidable due to the petrol price reaching Rs266.79 per litre and diesel Rs277.98 per litre. In addition, the new federal budget has increased the prices of vehicle spare parts, traffic challans (fines), and tyres by 35% to 40%, further straining the transport sector
Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, says the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, and tyres are severely damaging the transport business. Tariq Khan, President of the Rickshaw and Taxi Union, says fare hikes are inevitable with rising fuel prices and has urged the public not to be angry, noting that employee salaries have also been increased. Abdullah Khan, Secretary of the Suzuki Drivers Union, says Suzuki fares have gone up by Rs10 per passenger.
Bykea drivers have increased their fares from Rs100 to Rs150, while rickshaw drivers are now charging Rs300 instead of Rs200, with the minimum rickshaw fare now set at Rs200. On routes such as Raja Bazaar to Kacheri, Rawat, Sihala, Adiala Jail, Adiala Village, Golra, Bari Imam, and Pirwadhai, fares have been increased by Rs20 per passenger. Stop-to-stop fares have risen from Rs20 to Rs30.
Citizens like Basharat Iqbal Raja and Sharif Qureshi have criticised the government’s decision, pointing out that global oil prices have dropped to a historic low of $65 per barrel, yet Pakistan has increased domestic prices.
They termed it a cruel move and demanded immediate price reductions.
Citizens noted that during the PTI government, global oil prices were around $120 per barrel while petrol in Pakistan was priced between Rs150155 per litre. Now, with global prices nearly halved, the government should provide relief by reducing petrol prices to Rs150 per litre.
