Fuel price hike pushes up transport fares, raising fresh inflation fears

Transport operators have revised fares upward, with the minimum stop-to-stop fare now set at Rs50. Local transport services in Rawalpindi have increased fares by Rs20 per passenger

RAWALPINDI: A fresh increase in petroleum prices has triggered higher public transport fares across several routes, adding to commuters’ expenses and raising concerns over another wave of inflation.

Transport operators have revised fares upward, with the minimum stop-to-stop fare now set at Rs50. Local transport services in Rawalpindi have increased fares by Rs20 per passenger, while routes serving nearby areas have raised fares by Rs30. Additional charges are also being collected for passengers’ luggage, and some operators have started charging full fares for children aged eight and above.

Long-distance travel has also become more expensive, with fares increasing by Rs100 to Rs250 on various routes. The fare for air-conditioned coach services between Rawalpindi and Murree has climbed to Rs700. Qingqi rickshaws, bike taxis, motorcycles, and loader rickshaws have also revised their rates, while loading charges for goods transport have increased significantly.

Freight costs have surged as well, with transport charges for loaded trailers travelling from Karachi to Peshawar reaching Rs700,000. Traders warned that the higher transportation costs would likely be passed on to consumers, leading to further increases in the prices of essential goods.

Many commuters criticised the immediate fare hikes, arguing that transporters were quick to raise prices after the latest fuel increase but had been slow to reduce fares when petroleum prices declined earlier.

Transport Federation Patron-in-Chief Haji Zahoor Arain said the fare adjustments were unavoidable due to rising fuel prices, higher vehicle and spare parts costs, increased toll taxes, and growing operational expenses, including salaries and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Authority said it would hold consultations with transporters before issuing an official notification on the revised fares. Authorities also warned that approved fare lists must be displayed and pledged action against overcharging and overloading.

The latest fare increases come after fuel prices rose again amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, intensifying concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.