The Punjab government has announced sweeping relief measures after the historic surge in petroleum prices pushed transport costs beyond the reach of many citizens.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled what officials described as a major public relief initiative aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s broader austerity and savings programme.

Under the package, public transport across Punjab will operate free of cost, allowing commuters to travel without purchasing tickets. The relief applies to major mass-transit systems including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus services.

The move comes after petrol prices jumped from Rs322 per litre to Rs458.40, while high-speed diesel climbed to Rs520.35, triggering fears of higher fares and rising living costs across urban centres.

Punjab officials say free transport is intended to immediately cushion daily wage earners, students, and office workers who rely heavily on public commuting amid surging fuel expenses. The initiative is being framed as an emergency response to prevent transport inflation from spreading further into food and essential commodity prices.