The National Highway Authority’s 25% toll increase has been suspended on prime minister’s orders, the Ministry of Communication announced Friday. No toll hike has been applied in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Communication Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said the toll revision, originally scheduled for April 5, was withdrawn to ease citizens’ financial burden. “The nation faces economic challenges, and additional charges cannot be imposed,” he added.
Fuel prices have soared sharply: petrol rose Rs137 per litre to Rs458.41, a 43% increase, while diesel climbed to Rs520.35 per litre. The petroleum levy on petrol jumped from Rs106 to Rs161 per litre, a Rs55 hike, marking the second major increase in less than a month. Cumulative petrol and diesel increases now stand at 63% and 75%, respectively.
Transporters have sharply raised fares in response. Intercity bus fares surged: Lahore–Karachi from Rs110,000 to Rs180,000, Lahore–Islamabad from Rs80,000 to Rs120,000, Lahore–Peshawar from Rs100,000 to Rs150,000. Local routes also saw significant increases.
Transporters blamed rising operational costs, including fuel and spare parts, while passengers voiced frustration over escalating travel expenses.
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