Mini Mazda, Goods Transport Fare Hike Adds to Eid al-Adha Burden

The Pakistan Mini Mazda Association has announced a 10 percent increase in transport fares after the government raised petroleum product prices. The decision is expected to increase problems for commuters and families already facing high inflation.

Association President Haji Sher Ali said transporters did not increase fares during the previous diesel price hike, but this time they had no other option. “We are forced to increase fares due to the continuous rise in diesel prices,” he said.

On Friday, the government increased petrol prices by Rs 14.92 per litre, taking the new price to Rs 414.78 per litre. High-speed diesel prices were also raised by Rs 15 per litre, reaching Rs 414.58.

The fare increase announcement came only hours after the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance also raised transport fares by 4 per cent. Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan warned that transporters could move towards a nationwide strike.

Awan said the cost of operating one trailer for a round trip has increased by Rs 200,000, while monthly expenses have gone up by Rs 800,000. He said transporters are now “running vehicles at a loss.”

Experts believe the increase in fares for both goods transport and passenger vehicles will affect the entire economy. Prices of essential items and daily travel costs are likely to rise further.

With Eidul Azha approaching later this month, many people are worried that higher transport charges during the busy festival season will add more pressure on household budgets.

Both transport associations criticized the government’s policies and said there are not enough subsidies or relief measures for the transport sector. They warned that if the government does not review fuel prices and taxes, the transport sector could face serious problems, which may disrupt supply chains and create more difficulties for the public.