KARACHI: The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) has flatly rejected the government’s recent hike in diesel and petrol prices, issuing a strict 24-hour ultimatum to reverse the decision. Failing compliance, the association has warned of a countrywide wheel-jam strike, office closures, and a massive joint protest with other major transport bodies. Addressing a press conference, KGCA General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain, alongside senior leadership, highlighted that frequent fuel price hikes have pushed the country’s transport sector—the backbone of the economy—into a severe financial crisis. He criticized the government for not passing on the relief of declining global oil prices to local consumers and transporters, which continues to drive up operational costs.
Beyond fuel expenses, the KGCA leadership raised serious concerns over operational challenges, alleging that drivers and vehicle owners face extortion, heavy fines, and systemic harassment by various authorities across Punjab, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir. They claimed that these unfair practices are severely damaging the transport business and making daily operations unsustainable for drivers.
The association warned that if the government fails to address these grievances immediately, the impending strike will completely halt the movement of import and export cargo from Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar. Furthermore, the supply of countrywide petroleum, oil, food, medicines, and other essential commodities will be severely disrupted, causing irreparable damage to both the national economy and the public. Consequently, the KGCA has urgently appealed to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and relevant authorities to review the fuel pricing mechanism and take immediate emergency measures to avert a looming national supply chain crisis.
