Transport fares go sky high after hike in petroleum prices

2026-03-07 - 21:03

Like other parts of the country Islamabad and Rawalpindi’s public transport operators have also increased fares Following the recent rise in petroleum prices a day earlier. The public transport companies operating in the twin cities have raised fare prices by Rs300 to Rs600 on several routes, particularly those departing from the federal capital. The fare for travel from Islamabad to Lahore has climbed from Rs2,600 to Rs3,000, while the ticket price for Islamabad to Peshawar has jumped from Rs2000 to 25000. Similarly, fares for Sargodha have increased by Rs200 to Rs300 per passenger and with almost same ratio for Faisalabad and other routes. Long-distance routes have also seen notable increases causing inconvenience to the public particularly in the days when Eidul Fitr is around the corner and the families as well as the workers, labourers and business people are planning travel to their home districts. Passengers at Faizabad and Pir Wadhai bus terminals expressed frustration, saying that amid rising inflation, even basic travel has become increasingly difficult. Many noted that attending family gatherings or managing personal commitments now places a heavy burden on ordinary citizens. Some commuters said that low-income families are being forced to choose between spending on transportation and meeting essential household needs. On the other hand, the transport operators defended the increase, stating that the surge in fuel prices has also pushed up the cost of vehicle maintenance and spare parts. They warned that continuing operations without raising fares would not be financially viable. Meanwhile, citizens have urged the government to reconsider petrol prices, cautioning that further increases could trigger another wave of inflation.