Inter-city transport fares jump up to 30% after fuel price hike

Transporters in Lahore have increased fares by up to 30% following the recent fuel price hike, citing higher operational costs and insufficient government support.

Transport operators said inter-city fares have been raised by 25% to 30% across routes, with further adjustments under consideration after consultations with authorities.

Industry representatives said the government’s subsidy for transporters, including monthly support for buses and goods vehicles, does not offset rising diesel costs. They noted that a single Lahore–Islamabad trip consumes fuel worth around Rs120,000, exceeding the level of financial assistance being offered.

The increase in fuel prices has also pushed up freight charges, with suppliers reporting a rise of up to 40%. This has led to higher prices of construction materials such as cement and crushed stone, as well as vegetables, fruits and other essential items.

Traders said the impact was immediate, as transportation costs feed directly into retail prices across sectors. Further increases are expected if fuel costs remain elevated.

Passengers expressed concern over the rise in fuel prices and its effect on daily expenses, with many saying higher transport and commodity prices have made it difficult to manage household budgets.