KARACHI: Goods transporters across Pakistan started an indefinite nationwide strike over rising fuel prices, daily diesel price changes and increased taxes, disrupting transport operations as the government invited industry representatives for talks.
The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance said freight services had been suspended across the country and the strike would continue until the outcome of Monday’s meeting with federal government officials is reviewed, while the Pakistani government said it will soon address the concerns of goods transporters.
Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said transporters had created a committee to represent their concerns during negotiations. He added that previous discussions with government officials at the commissioner’s office failed to resolve the issues.
Transporters are demanding changes in fuel pricing policies, including an end to daily diesel price adjustments, they want fuel prices to be reviewed every two weeks or monthly instead to provide stability for transport businesses.
The government introduced the daily fuel price system after international oil markets became unstable due to rising tensions in the Middle East. Under the current system, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority publishes daily fuel prices based on a seven-day average of global oil prices, according to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
The transport alliance has also demanded a reduction in diesel taxes and called for fuel prices to return to the levels recorded on July 1, 2024. Other demands include reducing withholding tax on cargo transporters from 7% to 2%, lowering toll taxes and simplifying the process for obtaining heavy vehicle driving licenses.
Transporters also opposed customs rules that allow authorities to confiscate vehicles carrying goods without paid duties, saying the measures are creating additional challenges for the industry.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Awan said transport operations were slowing nationwide as part of the protest. He said transporters were parking their vehicles peacefully instead of blocking roads to avoid causing problems for the public.
Awan criticized federal and provincial governments for not fulfilling previous commitments and demanded the resignation of Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.
He claimed transporters were facing heavy financial pressure, saying a single trailer could pay millions of rupees in toll charges along with other taxes on petroleum products.
