Public transport operators raise fares by Rs 300 to Rs 600 after increase in prices of petroleum products amid Iran-US conflict
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-March 7th, 2026) Following the recent increase in the petrol and the diesel prices, the public and goods transport fares have seen significant hikes across major cities in Pakistan.
Public transport operators have raised fares by Rs 300 to Rs 600.
According to the new rates, the fare from Lahore to Islamabad has increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,260, while Lahore to Peshawar fares have risen from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,330. Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Multan has gone up from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400, and Lahore to Faisalabad from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400.
Other routes have also been affected. The fare from Lahore to Sukkur has increased from Rs 5,550 to Rs 6,100, Lahore to Hyderabad from Rs 8,650 to Rs 9,200, Lahore to Sadiqabad from Rs 3,800 to Rs 4,150, and Lahore to Dera Ghazi Khan from Rs 2,340 to Rs 2,560.
The passengers expressed concerns over the rising costs, saying that traveling by public transport has become difficult amid inflation. They added that even traveling for personal or family events has become a financial challenge, forcing low-income families to choose between providing basic necessities or traveling.
Transport operators, however, argue that the increase in fuel prices has also pushed up the cost of vehicle spare parts. They warned that without fare hikes, many vehicles could be forced off the road.
Meanwhile, Malik Shehzad Awan, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, strongly reacted to the fuel price hike, announcing a 20 percent increase in goods transport fares nationwide. He stated that diesel prices have risen by Rs 78 per liter and petrol by Rs 68 per liter in the past two months, significantly increasing operational costs.
Awan urged the Federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments to implement agreements with transporters immediately and suggested that reductions in toll and other taxes could provide relief. He warned that if policies are not revised, transport services across the country could be suspended.
In response, the recent increase in petroleum prices has also been challenged in the Lahore High Court.
