Transport fares remain unchanged in Quetta despite fuel price reduction, passengers demand action

Quetta and other parts of Balochistan are witnessing public frustration as transport fares have not been reduced despite a significant drop in petroleum product prices announced days earlier.

According to details, although the federal government recently reduced petrol prices by Rs. 77 per litre and diesel prices by Rs. 64 per litre, intercity and intracity transport fares remain unchanged across the province.

Passengers say that no relief has been passed on to commuters even after five days of the fuel price reduction. Long-distance coach services operating from Quetta to cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Sargodha, Karachi, Sukkur, and Hyderabad continue charging previous fares without any revision.

Similarly, local transport operating on inter-district routes such as Quetta to Mastung, Pishin, Loralai, Zhob, Ziarat, and Qila Saifullah is also reportedly collecting fares at old rates, causing widespread concern among daily commuters.

Citizens have expressed dissatisfaction, stating that transport operators quickly increase fares when fuel prices rise but fail to reduce them when prices come down. They termed the situation unfair and an additional burden on middle- and lower-income groups already struggling with inflation.

The public has urged the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Deputy Commissioner Quetta, and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to immediately intervene, hold talks with transport operators, and revise fare structures in line with reduced fuel costs.

They further demanded the issuance of official fare lists and strict monitoring to prevent overcharging and profiteering. Citizens warned that without urgent action, rising travel costs would further deepen economic hardship for ordinary people.