Fuel price hike triggers surge in transport fares

RAWALPINDI:

A fresh record increase in petrol and diesel prices by the federal government has sparked widespread public anger, reversing the brief relief provided just a week earlier when prices were reduced.

The latest hike has led to an immediate surge in fares across local intra-city transport, with operators raising fares by up to 20 per cent.

The stop-to-stop fare has been increased from Rs40 to Rs50, while overall fares on various routes have gone up by Rs100 to Rs130 per passenger.

The increase in fuel prices has also made it significantly more expensive to transport bodies from hospitals to homes or native areas, as ambulance services have raised charges by 30 to 50 per cent.

Motorcycle ride services have followed suit, increasing fares from Rs150 to Rs250. Rickshaw fares within city routes, including markets and hospitals, have risen by as much as Rs300. Routes such as Raja Bazaar to Kutchery, Rawat, and Pirwadhai have seen a Rs50 increase.

Pick-and-drop services for students and working women have also gone up by 20 per cent.

Citizens, including government employees Ahmed Ali and Faizan, termed the fare hike unjustified, stating that reductions in fuel prices in the past were not passed on to the public, whereas increases are immediately reflected in fares.

Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Rawalpindi region, Asad Abbas, warned that strict action would be taken against transporters charging more than the approved 5pc increase.

Ghee, oil prices increase

Prices of ghee and cooking oil have increased by Rs35 to 50 per litre in the open market in the last two days. The price of ghee and cooking oil from higher-priced brands has risen up to Rs550 and those from ordinary brands are now priced at Rs535. At the same time, the Gawala Union has also announced increase in prices of milk and yoghurt from May 1. The price of fresh milk will be increased from Rs220 to Rs240 per litre and the price of yoghurt will be increased from Rs240 to Rs260 per kg, while regular milk will be sold for Rs250. The final decision in this regard will be taken by April 28.