Drop in fuel prices fail to reduce train fares

Despite recent decreases in the prices of petroleum products, train fares have not been reduced to reflect the drop in costs, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The price of diesel, which is used by the Pakistan Railways, has decreased by Rs11 per litre. However, train fares remain unchanged.

Between August 16 and September 18, train fares were increased three times due to the expensive cost of diesel. The PR raised the fare by 10 per cent on August 16, and then again by 5 per cent between September 1 and 18.

According to railway authorities, approximately 350,000 litres of diesel are used daily. Despite the decrease in diesel prices, train fares have not been adjusted accordingly.

Railway sources have stated that consultations regarding reducing train fares are in progress, but a final decision has not been made.

On Sunday, the caretaker government had announced a decrease in petrol prices for the next fortnight, the first such decrease in two-and-a-half months. Petrol prices have been reduced by Rs8, while diesel prices have been reduced by Rs11.

The new price of diesel is now set at Rs318.18 per litre.

Earlier reports had indicated that the hike in fuel prices was impacting train operations. The Pakistan Railways administration had explained that the surge in fuel prices necessitated fare increases.