Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed provincial authorities to immediately bring down transport fares across the province, linking the move to the recent cut in diesel prices.
“People deserve relief whenever fuel costs go down. Exploiting commuters will not be tolerated,” the chief minister said, directing that the revised fare lists be made visible on all vehicles.
District administrations and the provincial transport department have also been tasked with monitoring compliance. Transporters who refuse to implement the updated fares face action from the government.
The directive comes after the federal government reduced fuel prices for the next two weeks. High-speed diesel was slashed by Rs12.84 per litre, setting the new rate at Rs272.99. Petrol, however, remains unchanged at Rs264.61 per litre. Prices of superior kerosene oil and light diesel oil have also been cut by Rs7.19 and Rs8.20 per litre, respectively.
Diesel prices are especially significant in Pakistan’s transport economy, as most buses, trucks, and goods carriers rely on it. Analysts say the fare adjustment—if strictly enforced—could provide some immediate relief to daily wage earners and low-income commuters, who are hit hardest by rising transport costs.
