Pakistani online bike riders and delivery workers are struggling as petrol prices skyrocket, causing daily commuting costs to surge. Rising fuel prices have forced fares jump higher, impacting both drivers and passengers.
Petrol reached Rs458.41 per litre before easing slightly to Rs378, while diesel surged to Rs520.35 per litre. Daily fuel costs for ride-hailing drivers have jumped past Rs2,000, up from around Rs1,600, pushing many previously profitable workers into losses.
A driver who used to earn Rs3,000–3,500 per day is now barely breaking even. With operational costs rising, platforms like inDrive and Bykea have increased fares, leading to fares jump higher for commuters.
Passengers are feeling the impact immediately. Commuting costs have nearly doubled, forcing many to turn to public transport or shared rickshaw rides. The economic strain is affecting daily routines and household budgets.
Private sector companies are also adjusting. Hybrid work and work-from-home policies have become necessary to reduce employees’ transport costs amid soaring fuel prices.
Last year, Careem, owned by Uber, exited Pakistan after nearly a decade of operations. The ride-hailing giant cited economic instability, rising competition, and limited capital as key reasons. Even with 12 million users and over 820,000 drivers, volatile fuel prices and operational costs made the market unsustainable.
The entry of platforms like inDrive and local startups such as Bykea has intensified competition, further squeezing margins. Rising fuel costs mean fares jump higher, a trend expected to continue if petrol and diesel prices remain unstable.
Experts warn that without regulatory support or subsidies, online ride-hailing services and daily commuters may continue to face severe financial pressure. The situation underscores Pakistan’s vulnerability to global fuel price fluctuations and the urgent need for targeted economic measures.
The combined impact of rising fuel prices, competition, and operational challenges is forcing the industry and commuters to adapt rapidly, highlighting the growing cost of mobility in Pakistan.
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