Railway fares raised after record fuel price hike

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways on Saturday announced an increase in passenger and cargo train fares following the sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices.

According to a statement issued by the railway spokesperson, economy class ticket fares have been increased by five per cent, while air-conditioned class fares have been raised by 10 per cent. Freight charges for cargo trains have also been increased by 20 per cent.

The revised fares will come into effect from Monday, March 9. However, passengers who have already booked tickets in advance will not be affected by the increase.

The spokesperson added that despite the hike, Pakistan Railways would continue to absorb part of the additional operational expenses for passenger train services.

The fare adjustment comes a day after the government raised the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs55 per liter—the highest single increase in the country’s history — amid disruptions in global energy supplies caused by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Following the revision, the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel has been fixed at Rs335.86 per litre for the coming week, up from Rs280.86, while petrol prices have been increased to Rs321.17 per litre from Rs266.17.

Officials say the decision reflects the growing economic impact of the Middle East conflict on Pakistan, which relies heavily on oil shipments passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions in fuel supplies through the vital maritime route have already begun affecting domestic fuel prices and transport costs.