LAHORE (Kashmir English): Pakistan Railways announced higher train ticket prices following the latest diesel price hike. Pakistan Railways has officially announced an increase in train fares following the recent rise in diesel prices, according to official details.
The decision came just before Eid-ul-Fitr which will create extra financial difficulties for travelers. The Pakistan Railways spokesperson stated that fare changes became necessary because diesel prices had increased by 20 percent.
The new decision establishes a 5 percent increase in economy class ticket prices. The Pakistan Railways spokesperson announced that AC class ticket prices will increase by 10 percent, while freight train charges will rise by 20 percent.
The spokesperson explained that the railways themselves will bear a large part of the operational costs of passenger trains so that there is no excessive burden on passengers.
All train services will start using the new fare structure on March 9. The increase will not affect passengers with existing reservations. According to railway officials, the present fuel price increases required this measure to maintain train services. The government has raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 55 per liter, which resulted in current petrol pricing at Rs 321.17, diesel costing Rs 335.86, and kerosene reaching Rs 318.81 after a Rs 130.8 price increase.
The sudden increase in existing petroleum product prices has created a major risk of triggering a new inflationary surge throughout the nation. Product and service providers raise their prices, which has resulted in total financial responsibility shifting to the general public and workers.
