The increase in petroleum prices announced by the government has added to the price spiral and a chain reaction in which people at all levels will be paying more for all services and essentials, reports UPP correspondent.
The first to react to the petroleum products prices increase were motor taxi and rickshaw drivers in the city. The ordinary one-way fare from Saddar to the Gizri market at Clifton has gone up from Rs 8 to Rs 25 minimum. The taxis have made more increases in their unofficial rates. There is no single public transport sector vehicle, taxi or rickshaw that is accepting the fixed rates per kilometre.
Meanwhile protests are also being planned by the transporters in the city and this could create not only a transportation problem for commuters but also create a law and order situation. Meanwhile the Jamaat-i-Islami workers are also gearing up for organising protests against the price hike in petroleum products.