KARACHI: The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has officially announced a 15% increase in goods transport fares across the country. The decision comes as a direct response to a massive surge in fuel prices and mounting tax burdens. Malik Shahzad Awan, President of the Alliance, strongly condemned the government’s latest economic policies, warning that transporters are being forced to ground their vehicles due to unsustainable operating costs. The alliance has urgently demanded the withdrawal of toll taxes, withholding taxes, and heavy fines (chalans), stating that immediate government relief is vital for the survival of the logistics sector.
The primary catalyst for this fare hike is the staggering increase in petroleum prices. High-Speed Diesel prices skyrocketed by Rs. 31.05 per liter, pushing the new price to an unprecedented Rs. 354.35. Concurrently, the government increased petrol prices by Rs. 5.44 per liter, setting the new rate at Rs. 316.15 for the current review period ending July 20. Furthermore, OGRA issued a notification raising the price of Kerosene oil by Rs. 34.33 per liter, which brings its new official rate to Rs. 276.66 from the previous price of Rs. 242.33.
