Islamabad, Sept 17:
Goods transporters in Pakistan have warned of suspending operations as a sharp rise in diesel prices has pushed up their operating costs and reduced their earnings.
Muhammad Owais Chaudhry, president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, said several transporters had already suspended operations because they were incurring losses. He said the high cost of diesel, taxes and levies had made it increasingly difficult for operators to make reasonable profits.
The Pakistan government recently increased the price of petrol by PKR 4.10 a litre and high-speed diesel by PKR 6.41 a litre. Following the increase, petrol was priced at PKR 384.34 a litre and high-speed diesel at PKR 415.83 a litre, according to reports.
Chaudhry called on the government to reduce petrol and diesel prices and provide relief to transport operators. He warned that higher fuel costs would ultimately add to the expenses of the goods transportation sector and could have an impact on the prices of commodities.
Transporters have argued that unless fuel prices are brought down or additional relief is provided, continuing operations would become increasingly difficult.