Goods transporters cutfreight charges by 15%

Move follows petrol and diesel price reduction; industry seeks relief in taxes and tolls

KARACHI:

Goods transporters on Friday announced a 15% reduction in freight charges following a cut in petroleum product prices.

Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (PGTA) President Malik Shehzad Awan said the decision was taken in response to the federal government's reduction in diesel and petrol prices, which he described as a positive step for the transport sector.

He said the alliance welcomed the move and had accordingly reduced goods transport fares by 15%, expressing hope that petroleum prices would be further reduced in the coming months.

Awan stated that goods transporters had continued operations even at a loss during difficult economic conditions in the national interest. He also urged the government to withdraw the proposed increase in withholding tax in the federal budget 2026–27.

He further called on both federal and provincial authorities to provide relief to the transport sector in toll taxes, withholding tax, e-challan fines, motorway penalties and other levies, arguing that the industry should receive commensurate facilitation in line with the taxes it pays.

Petroleum product prices had witnessed a sharp increase in Pakistan amid a surge in global crude oil rates and supply concerns linked to the conflict in the Persian Gulf, including disruptions around key shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Following these developments, the PGTA had announced a 10% increase in freight charges in April. At the time, PGTA President Malik Shehzad Awan said transporters across the country were facing severe pressure due to rising fuel costs, which he argued were contributing to inflation and broader economic strain.

He added that the transport sector had repeatedly warned that sustained increases in fuel prices were making operations increasingly difficult.

However, subsequent stabilisation in global oil markets led to a reversal in trend. With easing international prices and improved supply conditions, petroleum rates in Pakistan have since witnessed downward adjustments in line with global market movements.