Transport fares have surged across Rawalpindi and Islamabad following a significant increase in petrol and diesel prices. Commuters on urban, intercity, and suburban routes are now paying Rs20–30 more for short-distance travel, while long-route fares have jumped by Rs40–50 per passenger.
In addition to buses and vans, services like Qingqi rickshaws have added Rs10 per ride, and motorbike-based ride-hailing apps like Bykea have raised fares from Rs100 to Rs130 per trip. Popular routes including Fawara Chowk to Bhara Kahu, Rawat, and Pirwadhai are among those affected.
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Pakistan Railways has also announced fare hikes, further compounding commuter woes. Many passengers expressed frustration, saying fare increases happen instantly with fuel hikes but are never reversed when prices fall. “We paid Rs10 extra from Raja Bazaar to Morgah without any formal notification,” said daily commuter Asghar Ali.
Transport officials defended the move. Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, cited rising costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, toll taxes, and even police bribes as reasons for the hike. “We’re already running in losses. Every component of our business is becoming unaffordable,” he added.
To make matters worse, petrol stations in the city halted fuel sales late Sunday night, limiting purchases to just 1–2 litres per customer in anticipation of the hike. The sudden move caused massive queues and added to public frustration.
