Rawalpindi Transport Fares Cut After Sharp Drop in Petroleum Prices

Transport fares in Rawalpindi have begun to fall following a substantial reduction in petroleum product prices, with local passenger fares reduced by 12 percent, intercity fares by 5 percent and goods freight rates by 10 percent.

The cuts follow a decrease of Rs39.91 per litre in petrol prices and Rs31.96 per litre in high-speed diesel over the past ten days, according to the report. Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir issued directives ordering transport fares to be lowered in line with the drop in fuel prices.

Regional Transport Authority Secretary Syed Asad Abbas Shirazi also met with transport operators and instructed them to implement the revised fares immediately. The district administration has urged residents to report any overcharging by transport operators on helpline 1071.

Separately, petroleum dealers have demanded a forensic audit of oil refinery profits, arguing that a transparent review could show room to cut petrol prices by as much as Rs50 per litre and ease the burden on consumers. The demand was raised at an emergency meeting of petroleum dealers in Karachi, where participants discussed refinery profits, petroleum pricing and possible consumer relief.

Dealers including Malik Khuda Bakhsh and Anwar Kamal called for a transparent forensic audit of the financial affairs of all refineries to establish the actual profits earned by the companies. Malik Khuda Bakhsh said refineries had earned profits equal to a full year's earnings in just three months, adding that an audit would bring the facts about their profits to light.

The developments come as consumers watch closely for relief from lower fuel prices, which affect transport costs, freight charges and the price of everyday goods across the country.