Web Desk: Goods transporters in Pakistan have announced a 5% increase in freight charges following a rise in petroleum product prices, adding to concerns over higher transportation costs.
The announcement came from Malik Shahzad Awan, president of the Goods Transporters Association, who criticized the latest increase and urged the government to reconsider its policy of changing fuel prices on a daily basis.
Awan said frequent adjustments in petroleum prices were unacceptable and called on the government to immediately withdraw the policy.
He argued that unpredictable fuel costs make it difficult for transport operators to plan expenses and maintain stable freight rates.
The latest decision also revives tensions between the government and the transport sector, which had previously threatened nationwide industrial action over fuel prices and other demands.
Awan said goods transporters had postponed a planned nationwide strike for 40 days after receiving assurances from the government that their concerns would be addressed.
However, he said most of the commitments made to the transporters remained unresolved despite the passage of time.
He warned that transporters would resume their nationwide strike if the government failed to make progress on their demands within the agreed timeframe.
The dispute could add further pressure to businesses and consumers, as higher freight charges typically raise the cost of moving goods across the country.
