A recent government reduction in petrol prices has failed to deliver meaningful relief to motorcyclists and transport operators, with diesel prices unchanged and passenger fares continuing to rise, local traders and riders say.

Despite the petrol price being lowered by Rs80 per litre from record highs, public transport rates in Rawalpindi and Islamabad remain unchanged because diesel — the main fuel for buses and goods carriers — remains costly.

Freight charges for transporting essential goods like flour have surged by as much as 60–65%, leading many suppliers to pass on higher costs to shops and consumers.

The government had also announced a Rs100 subsidy for motorcycle riders, but many say the eligibility rules are so complex that most riders cannot benefit before the concession period expires.

Motorcycle taxis and delivery drivers described the relief as “a drop in the ocean,” saying the petrol price rollback is insufficient given persistent high costs of diesel and other transport inputs.