Transporters have raised fares on various intercity routes in response to the government’s recent hike in petrol and diesel prices, causing frustration among daily commuters.
Many passengers have expressed concern, saying the rising expenses are hitting low-income groups the hardest.
Following the government’s decision to increase petrol by Rs8 per litre and diesel by Rs10 per litre, fare hikes were introduced across multiple routes.
For shorter journeys like Lahore to Faisalabad, Bhalwal, Chakwal, and Sialkot, fares have increased by Rs50.
On longer routes such as Mirpur, Karachi, and Kotli, the rise is steeper, between Rs200 and Rs300.
For instance, the fare from Lahore to Sialkot has climbed from Rs700 to Rs750, while a ticket from Lahore to Kotli has gone up from Rs2,000 to Rs2,300.
Routes like Sahiwal and Jhawarian have also seen fare increases ranging from Rs50 to Rs100.
Transporters defend the move, saying it’s driven by a spike in operational costs, but passengers argue that the increased fares add to their financial burden amid already soaring inflation.
These fare hikes are the latest in a series of price increases affecting transportation and everyday living, as rising fuel prices continue to drive up the cost of goods and services nationwide.