Despite the reduction in petrol and diesel prices, transporters of Peshawar have refused to reduce fares, while those who operate on CNG are also excusing the high cost of Petrol for increasing the petrol prices.
Transporters of CNG-powered transport vehicles are also still charging additional fares, despite the reduction in petrol and diesel prices. Transporters from Peshawar to Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, the tribal areas and the inner city have refused to reduce fares and have taken the stance that fares will be reduced after further reduction in prices of petroleum products and diesel products. Transporters have started ignoring the relief given to passengers by the provincial government, administration has become helpless before the transporters of Peshawar.
Surprisingly, owners of CNG vehicles have also started defending the increase in fares by using the excuse of rising petrol prices instead of reducing fares. Transporters maintain that although fuel has become cheaper, there has been no reduction in the prices of spare parts, tyres and other expenses of vehicles, hence they are forced to operate vehicles at the old fares.
On the other hand, incidents of bitter arguments between passengers and transport staff at various bases in Peshawar are also being reported. Citizens say that when petrol becomes expensive, transporters immediately increase fares spontaneously, but instead of passing on relief to the people when prices come down, they are being stubborn. The district administration has not yet taken any strict action on this issue, due to which the transport mafia is free to charge arbitrarily.
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