Courier firms raise delivery charges 17% after record fuel price hike

Courier companies across Pakistan have increased delivery charges by 17% following a sharp rise in petroleum prices that has sent logistics costs surging across the transport sector.

The adjustment comes after the government raised fuel prices by PKR 55 per litre, one of the steepest increases in the country’s recent history. The revised rates took effect on March 6.

Following the increase, petrol prices rose to PKR 321.17 per litre from PKR 266.17, while high-speed diesel climbed to PKR 335.86 per litre from PKR 280.86.

Officials said the price revision reflects higher global crude oil prices linked to supply disruptions in the Middle East and Pakistan’s fiscal commitments under its programme with the International Monetary Fund.

The surge in fuel costs has triggered a wider repricing across the logistics chain. Goods transporters and shipping companies have already raised freight rates, while Pakistan Railways has announced a 20% increase in cargo charges.

Courier companies said the rise in delivery tariffs was driven by higher operating costs, particularly diesel expenses used in transport fleets.

The increase could weigh on Pakistan’s growing ecommerce sector, where many small and medium-sized online sellers rely on third-party courier services for order fulfilment.

Industry observers say higher delivery charges may squeeze retailer margins and dampen consumer demand, posing a potential challenge to the sector’s recent expansion.