Sindh CM secures fare freeze after talks with transporters amid fuel price hike

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday announced that the government had secured a province-wide fare freeze after successful negotiations with transporters.

Following increases in petroleum prices due to the ongoing global oil crisis, provinces have announced a host of relief measures for the public. In Sindh and Punjab, these steps include subsidies for motorcyclists, transporters and small-scale farmers.

Addressing a high-level press conference at CM House, CM Murad said that following a series of consultations, transporters operating both inter-city and intra-city routes have agreed not to increase fares and to maintain rates as of Feb 28, 2026.

The Sindh CM was flanked by provincial ministers, transporters’ representatives and top government officers.

A press release issued by CM House quoted Murad as saying that the government had worked out a comprehensive strategy to protect citizens — particularly low-income commuters — from rising transportation costs triggered by global fuel price increases.

Office bearers of the transport sector attended the press conference, while divisional commissioners and regional transport authorities joined via video link.

“I am thankful to the transporters for supporting the government’s relief efforts in the national interest,” CM Murad said, adding that despite increased operational costs, transporters had shown responsibility by agreeing to pass on relief to the public.

Transporters’ representatives, including Karachi Transport Ittehad leader Haji Tawab and inter-city operator Shabar Malik, reaffirmed their commitment, stating that maintaining fares was a collective decision to support citizens during difficult economic conditions.

CM Murad said the Sindh government would provide financial support to transporters based on route permits to compensate for increased fuel costs.

He explained that subsidies would include federal support and additional provincial assistance, enabling transporters to continue operations without burdening passengers.

“The government will bear the subsidy cost so that fares remain stable across the province,” the chief minister was quoted as saying by CM House.

Murad noted that over 11,000 buses operate in Sindh, and maintaining fares through subsidies would cost the provincial government an estimated Rs3 billion to Rs4bn.

According to the CM House statement, the subsidy package also extends to goods transport vehicles, school vans and public transport operators.

CM Murad said that while the government initially considered making public buses free — a move announced by Punjab and Islamabad — it instead opted for a broader fare freeze benefiting a larger segment of society.

He noted that the initiative was part of a coordinated national response, with provinces agreeing to share the burden of fuel subsidies for a limited period.

The chief minister stated that Sindh would contribute approximately Rs14bn towards the overall subsidy framework, while also implementing its own targeted interventions for transporters, farmers and consumers, which may cost Rs3-Rs4bn.

“It is a major achievement that despite challenging circumstances, fuel supply remains stable,” Murad highlighted.

He further said the government was also working on additional targeted subsidies to help citizens purchase essential food items at affordable rates.

“Our priority is to provide maximum relief to the people while maintaining economic stability and essential services,” he said.

On Friday, the Sindh government had announced it will provide motorcyclists Rs2,000 per month as part of a fuel subsidy, as well as support for small-scale farmers and transporters.

The Punjab government said it was making public transport free, introducing a targeted monthly subsidy for transporters, a diesel subsidy for wheat-growing farmers and a subsidy for motorcyclists.

Among the steps taken by the Balochistan government are free Green and Pink bus services in Quetta and other areas for one month.