KARACHI: The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced a 5% increase in goods transport fares following repeated increases in petroleum product prices, adding to concerns over rising transportation and business costs across the country.
President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan, strongly criticized the latest increase in petroleum prices and said the transport sector could no longer absorb the additional financial burden. He announced that goods transport fares would be increased by five percent.
Malik Shahzad Awan also rejected the practice of changing petroleum prices on a daily basis, describing it as unacceptable for the transport industry. He said frequent fluctuations in fuel prices make it difficult for transporters to manage their operational expenses and set stable freight rates.
According to the transport alliance president, the nationwide strike had previously been postponed for 40 days following assurances from the government. He said the government had requested 40 days to address the concerns raised by transporters, but that period is now approaching its end.
He added that the 40-day deadline would expire next week. Once the agreed period is completed, the transport alliance will announce its future course of action after reviewing the government’s response and the situation facing the goods transportation sector.
The expected increase in freight charges could have a wider impact on the prices of goods, as transportation costs are directly linked to the movement of food, industrial products and other commodities. Businesses and consumers may therefore face additional pressure if fuel prices and freight rates continue to rise.
Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a march towards Islamabad on September 20 against the petroleum levy.
