Travel Costs in Pakistan Drop 7.9% Since May Amid Fuel Price Decline

ISLAMABAD: Travel costs across Pakistan have decreased by 7.9% from May to September, according to the latest Mobility Index released by Pakistan & Counting in collaboration with ride-sharing operator BusCaro.

The index, which tracks per-kilometre travel expenses across various transport modes—including personal bikes, private rickshaws, and public transport—showed a decline from 100 in May to 92.1 in September. The average cost per kilometre for vehicles fell to Rs9.65 in September, down from Rs10.48 in May, largely attributed to a drop in petrol prices, which averaged Rs374.61 per litre in September, a 7.5% decrease from Rs405.19 in May.

This reduction in travel costs is significant for citizens, as it alleviates some financial pressure amid ongoing economic challenges. However, public transport fares remained unchanged, despite the free services offered by all four of Punjab’s BRT lines, indicating a complex landscape for commuters.

Looking ahead, stakeholders in the transport sector may need to reassess pricing strategies as fuel prices fluctuate and demand for affordable travel options continues to rise. The Mobility Index will likely serve as a crucial tool for monitoring these changes in the coming months.