Protests against rising petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan have now escalated into a nationwide strike. Meanwhile, transport unions have announced a complete halt to trucks, buses, and interstate transport starting the morning of August 12, 2026.
Meanwhile, the All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Federation and Goods Transporters have announced a complete halt to trucks, buses, and interstate transport starting the morning of August 12, 2026. The organizations say that operating vehicles is becoming increasingly expensive under the current circumstances. Transporters are protesting the government’s petroleum levy of 70 to 80 Pakistani rupees per liter on petrol and diesel. They say that in addition to the heavy taxes, toll plaza costs have also increased.
Four lakh cargo vehicles were affected
The transporters’ strike has reportedly halted the movement of nearly 400,000 freight vehicles across the country. The strike continued on Sunday, likely increasing pressure on the movement of goods and the supply chain. Nisar Hussain Jafri, chairman of the Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance, stated that transporters are protesting over several demands, including the government’s daily fuel pricing system. According to transport unions, a future strategy will be decided after talks with the government on Monday. If the talks fail to yield a solution, a decision to continue the strike may be taken.
Prices had reached record levels earlier too
Pakistan has witnessed significant increases in fuel prices in the past. In April, the price of petrol reached a record high of 459 Pakistani rupees per liter, while the price of diesel was recorded at 520.35 rupees per liter. The rising diesel prices are a particular concern for Pakistan, as a large portion of the country’s road freight transport relies on diesel vehicles. Therefore, rising fuel prices directly impact freight, transportation costs, and the prices of essential commodities.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also decided to intensify its protests against rising fuel prices. The party has announced protests in all four provincial capitals of Pakistan on August 16. Anger against the government is growing in the country over the ever-rising prices.