Pakistan Railways raise fares after fuel price hike

Pakistan Railways on Saturday announced fare hikes for both passenger and freight trains following the rise in diesel prices.

A day earlier, the government sharply increased diesel and gasoline prices by 55 rupees per liter, or 20 percent, marking the first in a series of similar increases expected in the coming days due to the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high.

According to a Pakistan Railways spokesperson, economy class fares will increase by 5 percent, freight train fares will increase by 20 percent, while air-conditioned classes will see a 10 percent increase.

“Operating costs of passenger trains due to increase in diesel price will be borne by Pakistan Railways itself,” the spokesperson added.

The fare adjustments will come into effect from March 9 for all cargo and passenger services, but will not apply to bookings already made, the spokesperson said.

“The increase in train fares was inevitable after the increase in diesel prices,” he added.

A sharp rise of Rs 55 per liter in oil prices has intensified the cost of living, with residents reporting higher transport fares and rising prices of everyday items.

People also reported disputes at gasoline pumps, where employees refused to dispense fuel worth less than a liter. According to residents, many customers asked for petrol worth Rs 150 or Rs 200, but the pump staff refused, saying that the speed of the nozzle is fixed and the fuel is dispensed in larger or smaller quantities, leading to frequent arguments.

Rising oil prices also raised the cost of fruits, vegetables and other daily necessities. Traders said the transportation cost to bring fruits, vegetables and produce was earlier around Rs 1,000 per trip, but now it had increased to between Rs 2,500 and Rs 3,000.

Drivers providing pick-up and delivery services for schoolchildren have also increased their rates, and residents say the entire burden has fallen on the public.

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Citizens said rising prices had made life increasingly difficult, adding that they were having difficulty choosing between buying fuel and meeting basic household needs.

talking to The express PAkGazetteResidents, including Amir, Babar, Intikhab, Zahoor and Rashid, said salaries were already low while inflation continued to rise.

Amir said that earlier he bought petrol worth Rs 1,000, which lasted him about 15 days, but now the same amount would not last him even four days.

Rashid, who works in loading and unloading, said work was already scarce and he wondered how much more people could afford to pay in transport costs.