Freight charges of goods carriers likely to be raised

Freight charges of goods carriers are likely to be raised after the Sindh Government on Thursday allowed the Karachi Goods Carriers' Association (KGCA) to increase goods transporting charges considering the increase in fuel prices, as a result of a three-day wheel jam strike.
A spokesman told Business Recorder that Ministry for Transport has allowed KGCA to increase freight charges of goods carriers at a meeting held with the transporters and asked them to call off their strike. The spokesman said that the ministry of transport has submitted its recommendations to the Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, which would later be sent to federal government for its approval.
To a question, the spokesman Sarwar said that ministry has suggested to the concerned authority for allowing goods carriers to increase tariffs and also appealed to reduce gasoline prices as per international trend. He said that KGCA has demanded to allow trucks and trailers access to thoroughfares in daylight. It is proposed that truck terminals should be constructed with all basic amenities at both ends of the city.
He further said that the government is striving to check hijacking of trucks and trailers and also raise it in a meeting with home minister and added that Zulfiqar Mirza, home minister has assured to take stern action in this regard.
KGCA members, however, said that the strike call was not withdrawn until the toll tax, which has recently been twofold, by National Highway Authority (NHA), would be reduced.
Ashiq Hussain Niazi, said that the government has put excessive burden on transporters as toll tax, who are paying Rs 21000 to Rs 25000 per month. He said that the hike in petroleum prices has badly hit the transporters, which creates alarming situation for the goods transport business.
He said that the government should decrease diesel prices immediately besides reducing motor vehicle tax, income tax, fitness tax, registration tax and many other taxes on goods transport. He also said that the strike would continue till the acceptance of their demand.