LAHORE:
The sharp rise in oil prices has begun to ripple through the country’s transport sector, pushing up fares for buses, rickshaws, taxis and railways and putting new pressure on commuters already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Transport operators across several cities have started raising fares on both intercity and city routes, citing higher fuel prices along with rising costs of maintenance and spare parts.
Public transport companies say the increases have become inevitable as operating costs continue to rise, leaving them with little choice but to pass the extra burden on to passengers.
Public transport operators in several cities have increased fares by Rs300 to Rs600 on major intercity routes, citing rising fuel prices and higher vehicle maintenance costs.
In Lahore, carriers announced revised fares for several destinations. The fare from Lahore to Faisalabad increased from Rs.1,200 to Rs.1,350, while the long-distance route from Lahore to Karachi increased from Rs.8,000. to Rs.8,600.
Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Sargodha increased from Rs1,300 to Rs1,550, Lahore to Islamabad increased from Rs2,600 to Rs3,000 and Lahore to Peshawar increased from Rs2,890 to Rs3,500.
Other routes also saw noticeable increases. Fares from Lahore to Hyderabad increased from Rs8,650 to Rs9,200, while journeys to Murree increased from Rs2,790 to Rs3,300. Fare from Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan increased from Rs.4,000. to Rs.4,250.
Short trips have also become more expensive. Non-AC bus fares from Lahore to Dipalpur increased from Rs600 to Rs750, while fares from Lahore to Kasur increased from Rs120 to Rs150.
City commuters face similar pressures. Rickshaw fares in Lahore have increased by up to 30%, while taxi and ride-hailing services have hiked prices by 25% to 30%, further straining household budgets already squeezed by inflation.
Railway fares revised
The impact has also reached the railway sector. Pakistan Railways announced that economy class passenger ticket fares will increase by 5%, while air-conditioned classes will see a 10% increase. Freight train charges increase by 20 per cent.
According to a railway spokesperson, the revised fares will come into force from March 9, although previously booked tickets will not be affected. Officials said the increase became inevitable after the recent rise in diesel prices and operating costs.
Hike challenged in the LHC
Meanwhile, the rise in oil prices has been challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC).
A petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel alleges that the government hiked petrol prices by Rs55 per litre, calling the move illegal and harmful to the public.
The petition claims that higher fuel prices will increase costs across several sectors, including transport, electricity, agriculture and food. It also claims that oil marketing companies currently have 15 days of fuel reserves, questioning the rationale behind the price hike.
