Freight charges have increased, and Pakistan’s diesel prices have surged, pushing transport costs up by as much as 40 per cent, according to industry stakeholders.
The All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association announced a nationwide hike, citing the sharp rise in diesel prices as the main reason. Transporters say operations have become financially unsustainable due to rising fuel costs, toll taxes, and other expenses.
Freight rates on major routes have already been revised. The cost of transporting goods from Karachi to Lahore has increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,000 per ton. Similarly, shipments from Punjab to Karachi now cost an additional Rs1,500 per ton, reflecting mounting pressure on logistics operators. Industry leaders warn that further increases could disrupt supply chains nationwide.
Transporters attribute the increase primarily to the sharp rise in diesel prices, which have reached over Rs520 per litre. Petrol prices have also climbed significantly. Industry representatives describe the situation as unsustainable and have called for an immediate rollback in petroleum prices to stabilise the sector.
The rise in freight charges is expected to have a ripple effect across markets. As transport costs rise, the prices of goods are likely to increase, adding to inflationary pressure on consumers. Earlier, public transport fares also increased following fuel price hikes, with taxi, rickshaw, and ride-hailing services raising fares by up to 35 per cent.
Intercity bus fares in several cities have also gone up by 25 to 30 per cent without official approval.
Transport operators warn that continued cost pressures could further destabilise the logistics sector, affecting the movement of goods nationwide. They argue that without intervention, rising fuel prices will continue to drive up both freight charges and public transport fares, worsening economic challenges for businesses and consumers alike.
