Transport sector faces shutdown risk owing to rising fuel prices: PPDA

Business Recorder reported that Malik Sher Khan, vice chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), has warned that roughly 70 percent of transport activity is already halted because of rising fuel costs. He added that another 25 to 30 percent of operators could shut down if the pressure continues over the next 15 days. Sher Khan made the remarks at a ceremony hosted by Shaheen Group, where he also serves as chief executive.

Speaking at the event, he said that persistent increases in petroleum prices have raised transport costs and strained the supply of essential goods to local markets. Transporters, he argued, are finding it hard to match per-kilometre fares with growing operating expenses while carrying a heavy tax load. He warned that the difficulties could spread to the movement of goods nationwide.

Sher Khan also faulted the government's recently unveiled fuel relief plan, saying it was drafted without consulting transporters and other stakeholders. He called for immediate, practical steps, including fuel price relief and a permanent policy framework for the transport sector. Without such action, he cautioned, supply disruptions, market shortages and higher inflation could follow.