Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: The recent surge in petrol prices has significantly increased transportation costs for motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers in Karachi, officials and commuters reported.
Daily petrol consumption for an average motorcyclist is around two liters, resulting in an additional Rs150 per day in fuel costs. This translates to a monthly increase of approximately Rs4,500, pushing the total monthly transport expenditure for regular riders to nearly Rs30,000, including oil and maintenance.
Rickshaw drivers have also raised fares due to higher fuel costs. A six-seater rickshaw driver, Rustam Ahmed, reported fare hikes of Rs20–30, with short-distance trips now costing Rs40, medium-distance Rs70, and longer routes exceeding Rs100. Three-seater rickshaws serving families and women commuters have similarly increased rates, with short rides now Rs50 and long routes up to Rs150.
Commuters are feeling the pinch. Saud Shahid, a machine operator traveling daily from Surjani Town to Korangi Factory, said his daily fuel cost increased by Rs280 after the price hike. “My monthly transportation budget rose to Rs27,600, and with bike maintenance added, total costs reached Rs30,000. For those earning Rs35,000–40,000 monthly, covering these costs is challenging,” he said.
Fuel station in-charge, Abdul Rehman, confirmed that previously Rs100 per fill-up was sufficient for a short trip, but now commuters must spend at least Rs200–250.
Public sentiment reflects growing concern over rising living costs. Mahin Iftikhar, a private sector employee, noted that while transportation expenses have risen by Rs4,500 monthly, salaries remain stagnant, urging the government to increase wages by at least Rs5,000–10,000.
Labour leader Nasser Mansoor described the price hike as a “storm of inflation,” affecting low- and middle-income families, while Musa Chacha, a daily wage worker, said he now prefers walking for short distances due to fare increases.
Sadia Javed, spokesperson for the Sindh government, confirmed that authorities are monitoring the situation and taking relief measures to mitigate the financial burden on lower-income groups.
