Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry Blames Diesel Price Hike for Immediate Freight Rate Hike Across Pakistan.Transporters Warn of Inflation Ripple Effect Following Fuel Price Spike
LAHORE:Following the sharp rise in petroleum prices, the Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association has officially announced a 10% increase in freight charges across the country, effective immediately.
The announcement was made by the association’s Central President, Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry, who cited the unbearable increase in diesel costs as the primary reason for the adjustment.
Diesel Costs Surge Past Rs 414 Per Litre, Prompting Transport Fare Increase
- 10% Fare Hike: All mini-mazda goods transport services will now charge an additional 10% for freight.
- Effective Immediately: The new rates are applicable starting today, May 9, 2026.
- Government Request: Haji Sher Ali revealed that the association had previously refrained from raising fares on May 1 at the request of the government.
- Sustainability Issues: The president emphasized that due to the massive surge in diesel prices, it is no longer financially viable for transporters to operate at the old rates.
Fuel Price Surge Expected to Push Up Costs of Daily Commodities, Say Business Leaders
This increase is expected to trigger a chain reaction in the prices of daily essential commodities. Since Mini Mazda trucks are the backbone of local logistics—transporting everything from vegetables and fruits to construction materials—the 10% hike in freight will likely be passed on to the end consumer.
“We tried to cooperate with the government by not increasing rates earlier this month,” said Haji Sher Ali Chaudhry. “However, the current price of diesel has left us with no choice but to adjust our fares to survive.”
Transporters Warn of Inflation Ripple Effect Following Fuel Price Spike
The decision follows the federal government’s latest revision of fuel prices, which saw High-Speed Diesel (HSD) jump by Rs 15 per litre, pushing it above the Rs 414 mark for the first time in the country’s history.
Local business leaders warn that these “aftershocks” of the petroleum hike will continue to fuel inflation across various sectors of the economy.
By Shahbaz Malik I May 9, 2026
