Transporters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased intercity fares by about 20 percent after the recent rise in petroleum prices. However, the provincial government has not officially announced it.
The KP Transport Owners Association reported a fare increase of about Rs. 1,000 per passenger. This hike affects long-distance routes, including Lahore and Karachi. Fares for transport services operating between districts within the province have not yet been increased. Transporters say these fares may go up in a few days.
Transport representatives said rising fuel prices and lower passenger numbers have increased their operating costs. They added that they have informed the provincial transport department, but no formal notification has been issued so far.
Meanwhile, petroleum dealers rejected claims that they benefited from the recent fuel price increase. A spokesperson for the Petroleum Dealers and Cottage Contractors Association, Najibullah, said dealers still receive the same margin per litre, even though their expenses have increased. These include staff salaries and other operational costs. He added that taxes on petroleum products remain high and that regular inspections are conducted to prevent hoarding.
