When fuel prices rise, everything else follows suit

A sharp increase in petroleum prices has set off a chain reaction of rising transport fares and esca-lating costs of everyday goods, deepening financial strain on residents across the city.

Following the government's decision to raise petrol and diesel prices by more than Rs26 per litre, transporters have significantly increased fares on key routes. Air-conditioned coach fares between Hyderabad and Karachi have jumped by Rs200 per passenger, reaching as high as Rs1,200, while non-AC fares have climbed to Rs1,000. Similarly, fares for travel to other parts of interior Sindh have risen by Rs50 to Rs100.

The ripple effects are also being felt in local markets, where traders have begun raising prices of vegetables and other essential items, adding to the burden on already stretched household budgets.

Newspaper vendors are among the hardest hit. Union representatives say that rising fuel costs are eating into their already thin margins, discouraging new entrants to the profession and leaving existing vendors struggling to make ends meet. They have urged the government to introduce a targeted relief package to support their livelihood.

The price hike has drawn strong criticism from religious and nationalist groups, as well as civil society leaders. Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair, head of Jamiat Ulema Pakistan and the Milli Yakjehti Council, con-demned the move as "cruel, anti-people, and economically destructive." He argued that despite stable oil sup-plies and increased port revenues, the government had failed to pass on any relief to the public.

Leaders of the Awami Tehreek, including Wasand Thari, Noor Ahmed Katyar, and Sajid Hussain Mahesar, also criticised the decision, alleging that it reflects external economic pressures and disproportionately impacts low-income citizens.

Meanwhile, Nauman Ali of the Central Muslim League called for greater transparency in agreements with in-dependent power producers, claiming such deals benefit elites while placing the financial burden on the public.

Cultural and social organisations echoed similar concerns, accusing transport operators of exploiting the situa-tion by raising fares despite assurances of subsidies from the Sindh government. They warned that unchecked inflation is pushing vulnerable communities deeper into poverty and urged immediate government interven-tion to stabilise prices and provide relief.