The sharp increase in petroleum prices has begun rippling through the country’s transport sector, pushing up fares for buses, rickshaws, taxis and railways and piling fresh pressure on commuters already struggling to keep pace with rising living costs.

Transport operators across several cities have started raising fares on both intercity and urban routes, citing higher fuel prices along with the rising cost of maintenance and spare parts.

Public transport companies say the increases have become unavoidable as operating expenses continue to climb, leaving them with little choice but to pass the added burden on to passengers.

Public transport operators in several cities have increased fares by Rs300 to Rs600 on major intercity routes, citing rising fuel prices and higher vehicle maintenance costs.

In Lahore, transporters announced revised fares for several destinations. The fare from Lahore to Faisalabad rose from Rs1,200 to Rs1,350, while the long-distance route from Lahore to Karachi increased from Rs8,000 to Rs8,600.

Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Sargodha climbed from Rs1,300 to Rs1,550, Lahore to Islamabad rose from Rs2,600 to Rs3,000, and Lahore to Peshawar increased from Rs2,890 to Rs3,500.

Other routes also saw noticeable increases. Tickets from Lahore to Hyderabad rose from Rs8,650 to Rs9,200, while travel to Murree increased from Rs2,790 to Rs3,300. The fare from Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan climbed from Rs4,000 to Rs4,250.

Short-distance travel has also become more expensive. Non-AC bus fares from Lahore to Dipalpur increased from Rs600 to Rs750, while the fare from Lahore to Kasur rose from Rs120 to Rs150.

Urban commuters are facing similar pressure. Rickshaw fares in Lahore have increased by up to 30%, while taxi and ride-hailing services have raised prices by 25% to 30%, further straining household budgets already squeezed by inflation.

Railway fares revised

The impact has also reached the railway sector. Pakistan Railways announced that fares for economy-class passenger tickets will increase by 5%, while air-conditioned classes will see a 10% rise. Freight train charges will increase by 20%.

According to a railway spokesperson, the revised fares will take effect from March 9, although previously booked tickets will not be affected. Officials said the increase became unavoidable after the recent rise in diesel prices and operational costs.

Hike challenged in LHC

Meanwhile, the hike in petroleum prices has been challenged in the Lahore High Court (LHC).

A petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel argues that the government raised petrol prices by Rs55 per litre, calling the move illegal and harmful to the public.

The petition contends that higher fuel prices will drive up costs across multiple sectors, including transport, electricity, agriculture and food. It also claims that oil marketing companies currently hold 15 days of fuel reserves, questioning the justification for the price increase.