Business Desk 
Aug 20, 2025
In a major move, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared that lowering transport costs is a "fundamental right" of the populace and instructed authorities to do so immediately in response to the recent drop in diesel prices.
On Friday, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) was lowered by the federal government by Rs12.84 per litre, to Rs272.99 per litre.
The chief minister has made it clear that carriers will not be allowed to delay or refuse to adjust their fares to reflect the price change.
Nawaz has ordered that updated fare lists be prominently displayed at transportation terminals in order to guarantee transparency and public awareness.
Moreover, strict enforcement of the updated fare rates has been assigned to the provincial transport department and district administrations, with threats of legal action against noncompliant carriers.
Heavy vehicles, railroads, and agricultural equipment—all of which depend significantly on HSD—are among the larger transportation sector that is anticipated to be significantly impacted by the drop in diesel prices.
The federal government has also lowered the cost of light diesel oil by Rs8.20 to Rs162.37 per litre and kerosene oil by Rs7.19 to Rs178.27 per litre. At Rs264.61 per litre, the price of petrol hasn't changed, though.
The government's resolve to guarantee that the public benefits from the price cut is demonstrated by the chief minister's directive.
By this move, both commuters and transport operators should find relief, and its effects will be closely watched in the days ahead.
