Transport operators in Pakistan have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike following the latest increase in petroleum prices, warning that the rising cost of fuel is placing severe pressure on the country’s transport industry.

The President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shehzad Awan, criticised the government’s decision to raise fuel prices and opposed its policy of adjusting petroleum prices on a daily basis. He said consultations were ongoing with transport unions across the country and noted that a decision on industrial action could be announced if authorities fail to address their concerns.

According to Awan, repeated increases in diesel prices have significantly raised operating costs, leaving many transport businesses struggling to remain viable. He argued that continued price hikes, combined with existing government policies, were threatening the survival of transport operators.

He also urged chambers of commerce and other business groups to support efforts aimed at finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing the sector.

In addition to calling for a reversal of the fuel price increase, the alliance demanded the removal of recent increases in toll charges and withholding taxes, as well as reductions in motorway fees and traffic-related penalties.

Awan said transporters had repeatedly appealed to both federal and provincial authorities for relief but claimed that little had been done to ease the financial burden on operators.

He added that despite mounting economic and security challenges, transport companies had continued providing essential services in the national interest. However, he warned that the industry could no longer sustain the growing financial pressure without government intervention.

The alliance also called on the government to honour commitments it made following a nationwide transport strike held in December, arguing that delays in implementing agreed measures had deepened frustration among transport operators.