Goods Transport Association President Malik Shehzad Awan threatened a nationwide goods transport strike after rejecting the federal government’s decision to revise petroleum prices daily.
Awan said frequent fuel price changes would create uncertainty for freight operators and raise operating costs, particularly because road transport relies heavily on high-speed diesel.
The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s July 21 notification reduced petrol by Re0.35 per litre but increased high-speed diesel by Rs5.71 per litre.
The federal government’s new mechanism replaced weekly revisions with daily petroleum price adjustments amid increased volatility in international oil markets due to regional conflict.
Awan demanded an immediate reduction in diesel prices and urged transporters across Pakistan to remain prepared for protest action. He said the association could announce a countrywide shutdown if the authorities failed to address its concerns.
Read: Pakistan Fuel Prices: Petrol Down, Diesel Up Rs5.71
He also called for the withdrawal of recent increases in the toll tax and withholding tax. Awan sought concessions in motorway charges, traffic fines and other levies imposed on goods transport operators.
Awan urged chambers of commerce and business federations to support transporters in negotiations with the federal and provincial governments. He said neither tier of government had provided meaningful relief to the freight industry.
The association did not announce a strike date but said it would begin nationwide protest action if the government declined to review the pricing mechanism and related taxes.
