Pakistan Railways increases train fares after a sharp rise in diesel prices, a move announced just days before Eid-ul-Fitr, which is expected to add pressure on travellers.
A Pakistan Railways spokesperson said the adjustment was unavoidable due to a 20% increase in diesel prices. Officials added that the department would continue absorbing part of the operational expenses to reduce the impact on passengers.
The new fares will take effect on March 9, while passengers who booked tickets before the increase will not be affected.
Under the revised structure, economy-class fares have increased by 5%, AC class fares by 10%, and freight charges by up to 20%, according to the spokesperson.
Read: Pakistan Petrol Price Increased Rs55 as Government Sets New Rates for Petrol and Diesel
Railway officials said they will continue to share some of the cost burden, but rising fuel prices have made a fare adjustment necessary.
The fare increase follows the government’s recent fuel price revision, which raised petrol and diesel by Rs55 per litre.
Under the new rates cited in the report, petrol is Rs321.17 per litre and diesel is Rs335.86 per litre. Kerosene also increased to Rs318.81 per litre.
Analysts warned that higher fuel costs could feed into broader inflation, affecting transport, goods, and services across the country.
