Railway Fares Unchanged Despite Rising Fuel Costs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives to Pakistan Railways to maintain existing passenger fare structures despite the recent escalation in diesel prices, with the federal government allocating Rs6 billion to offset the resulting financial impact through June 30.

According to official sources, the directive applies uniformly across all passenger categories, including both economy and air-conditioned classes. Additionally, freight tariffs will remain unchanged in an effort to provide continued support to the business sector and prevent further cost pressures on commercial activities.

A spokesperson for Pakistan Railways indicated that an upward revision of approximately 30% in fares had been assessed as necessary to sustain operational viability in light of rising fuel expenses. However, the government has elected to absorb the additional financial burden to avoid transferring costs to end users.

Railway authorities have emphasized that this policy measure is intended to preserve affordability for passengers while ensuring stability in freight operations amid prevailing fuel price volatility.

The decision follows a substantial increase in domestic fuel prices, with petrol rising by Rs137 per litre to Rs458.4, attributed to fluctuations in international oil markets and adjustments in domestic taxation and levies.