KARACHI: Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (PGTA) President Malik Shehzad Awan on Friday said that in response to the federal government’s reduction in diesel and petrol prices, “We the goods transporters, announce a cut in fares by 15pc”.
Terming the government act of reduction in petroleum products, a positive step for the transport sector, he said the alliance welcomed the move and had accordingly reduced goods transport fares by 15pc.
He hoped that petroleum prices would be further reduced in the coming months. The 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 202627.
He asked federal and provincial governments to provide relief to the transport sector in toll taxes, withholding tax, e-challan fines, motorway penalties and other levies. 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. He said that government must think to overcome the issues being faced by the community as soon as possible.
