The Pakistan Railways is mulling to increase train fares up to 15 per cent owing to the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products.
As per the new fares, the increased cost of an air-conditioned sleeper will go up by fifteen per cent, of an air-conditioned business compartment by ten per cent and of an economy class seat by two per cent.
The estimate provided by the Pakistan Railways officials suggests that 0.4 million litres of diesel is consumed every day. The increase of 4.5 rupees per litre would fish out an extra Rs2.25 million from the budget.
The increment in the fares will put an extra burden on the commuters who avail it regularly. Pakistan Railways increased the fare up to 11 per cent in December 2018.
The government increased the prices of petroleum products on Friday. According to the new price, petrol will be sold at Rs112.68. Diesel price has been increased by Rs4.50 and its new price will be Rs126.82. The price of light diesel oil has been increased by Re1.68 and the new price will be Rs88.62. The kerosene oil price has been increased by Re1.69 and its new price will be Rs98.46.