Karachi Goods Carriers reject fuel price hike, threaten nationwide strike

The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) has rejected the government's recent increase in diesel and petrol prices as well as the mechanism used to determine fuel rates, warning that it will launch a nationwide wheel-jam strike if the decision is not withdrawn within 24 hours, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.

Addressing a press conference, KGCA president Malik Sher Khan accompanied by general secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain, Vice Chairman and Vice President Ayaz Khan, said the country's transport sector has been consistently neglected despite playing a vital role in trade and commerce.

He said repeated increases in diesel and petrol prices have pushed transporters into a severe financial crisis, adding that while global oil prices have declined, the benefits have not been passed on to transporters or the public.

As a result, transportation costs have continued to rise, placing additional pressure on businesses and consumers alike.

Nadeem Akhtar Arain said the government's current fuel pricing policies are hurting not only the transport industry but also the country's overall economy.

He also alleged that truck drivers and vehicle owners in Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of the country are facing unnecessary inspections, heavy fines, alleged bribery demands, and harassment by various government departments, disrupting transport operations and affecting livelihoods.

The KGCA warned that if the government fails to address its demands immediately, goods transport across the country will be suspended, severely disrupting the movement of import and export cargo from Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port.