Transporters in Pakistan, particularly in Peshawar and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, staged protests due to a recent increase in petroleum product prices. The demonstrators, including dozens of transport operators at the Hajji Camp Terminal in Peshawar, demanded an immediate reduction in petrol and diesel prices. Transport leader Zubair Ahmed Qureshi highlighted the challenges faced by the public, citing rising fuel costs and the unavailability of CNG.
The protest stemmed from transporters raising fares for the fifth time in a month following the latest fuel price adjustment. Notably, fares for AC vehicles surged significantly, while non-AC bus fares rose by five percent. The increased fares, affecting routes from Peshawar to various destinations like Nowshera, Mardan, Abbottabad, and others, have put additional financial strain on passengers. City buses in Peshawar also raised minimum fares, impacting commuters and goods transport alike.
The Pakistan government’s recent hike in high-speed diesel (HSD) and petrol prices further exacerbated the situation. The price of HSD surged by PKR 19.39 per liter, reaching PKR 399.58, while petrol prices rose by PKR 6.51 per liter, now at PKR 399.86. This increase is expected to have repercussions on sectors like transport and agriculture, particularly affecting the ongoing sowing season and fertilizer prices due to heightened transportation costs.
