Karachi: Goods transporters across Pakistan have announced an immediate 5 per cent increase in freight charges following the federal government's recent upward revision of petroleum prices. Speaking on behalf of the sector, All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan strongly condemned the fuel price hikes, rejecting the government's policy of altering petroleum rates on a daily basis and demanding its immediate withdrawal. Transporters cautioned that the freight rate adjustment is necessary to offset mounting operational expenses driven by sharp fuel cost increases.
Furthermore, leadership warned that if the government fails to make concrete progress on commitments made to end an earlier protest, goods transporters will revive their nationwide strike. Highlighting the recent price escalation, Awan noted that high speed diesel has risen by Rs 19 per litre while petrol has increased by Rs 20.36 per litre over the past 17 days.
Transporters firmly rejected the federal government's daily petroleum price revision framework, citing severe operational instability for logistics businesses. Alliance leadership recalled that their previous strike conducted from 8 to 17 August was postponed for 40 days following assurances from the petroleum minister that daily price revisions would cease.
Malik Shahzad Awan stressed that despite pausing their previous industrial action in good faith, the majority of the sector's grievances remain unresolved. He warned that if effective progress is not delivered within the stipulated 40 day window, transporters will have no alternative but to resume a nationwide strike.
Economists and trade bodies caution that the 5 per cent freight hike will inevitably filter through to supply chains, increasing transport expenses for manufacturing and retail sectors while placing additional inflationary pressure on essential consumer goods across the country.
