Transporters decide no fire hike despite fuel prices increase

LAHORE: Transporters in Punjab have declared their decision to maintain current travel fares because fuel prices have increased. The transport owners agreed to maintain existing fare rates after they successfully negotiated with the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary in Lahore.

The two parties established a financial agreement that prevents additional expenses from being passed onto passengers. The decision comes even as petrol and diesel prices effectively crossed the Rs. 400 per litre mark at many retail pumps on May 1, 2026.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended the public and goods transporter fuel subsidy for another month to assist with expenses. The relief package reduces driver costs, which prevents drivers from raising prices to the public.

Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan recognized the transport community for their assistance during these challenging situations.

The government works to maintain affordable travel options for all citizens. District special teams currently monitor bus stands to prevent any unauthorized fare increases.

The Punjab government established a fare increase limit of 25% for diesel vehicles and 10% for petrol vehicles to protect drivers from overpriced fares.

The main objective of these efforts is to deliver maximum assistance to ordinary citizens. The Transport Department is now issuing updated fare lists to all terminals for better transparency.

The government will monitor global fuel trends while commuters can travel at previous fare rates. The authorities declared that all transporters who practice overcharging will encounter severe legal consequences.