The Fleet Operators Association of Pakistan has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for urgent financial relief, warning that rising diesel prices and heavy taxation are severely damaging Pakistan’s transport and logistics sector.

In a letter sent to the prime minister, FOAP Chairman Rana Asim Shakoor said the association represents more than 100 transport and logistics companies operating across the country. He stated that recent increases in high-speed diesel prices have sharply raised operating expenses and placed transport businesses under extreme financial pressure.

According to FOAP, diesel prices climbed from Rs. 281 per litre in March to Rs. 521 per litre by early April, drastically increasing the cost of nationwide freight operations. The association said fuel expenses, which previously accounted for nearly 40 percent of operational costs, now consume between 50 percent and 65 percent of transport companies’ gross revenue.

FOAP also criticized the existing 6 percent withholding tax imposed on the transport and logistics industry, arguing that the levy acts as a minimum tax and absorbs a major portion of already shrinking profit margins.

The association warned that continued financial pressure could force transport operators to suspend services, potentially disrupting supply chains and commercial activity across Pakistan.

FOAP has requested the government to introduce targeted fuel subsidies for transport companies involved in nationwide logistics operations and reduce the withholding tax burden on the sector.

Copies of the letter were also sent to senior government officials, including the ministers for commerce, communications and finance, as well as the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue and representatives of provincial governments and business organizations.