The beginning of 2026 has brought relief for commuters as public transport fares have been reduced across Punjab following a drop in petrol prices announced by the federal government.
The federal government’s decision to reduce petroleum prices has begun to show its impact on daily life. One of the earliest benefits has reached public transport users, with lower fares now in effect on inter-district routes.
The Punjab Transport Department has officially reduced inter-district bus fares. According to officials, fares have been lowered by amounts ranging from Rs60 to Rs180, depending on the route.
Reduced fares from Lahore to major cities
Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Secretary Rana Mohsin confirmed that fares for buses traveling from Lahore to other cities have been revised downward. The fare from Lahore to Islamabad has been reduced from Rs1,910 to Rs1,850.
Northern destinations
Passengers traveling to northern areas will also benefit from the reductions. Fares to Murree have been lowered from Rs2,370 to Rs2,290, while fares to Peshawar have dropped from Rs2,610 to Rs2,530.
According to Rana Mohsin, fares to Mansehra have been reduced from Rs2,500 to Rs2,420. Similarly, the fare to Abbottabad has been cut from Rs2,310 to Rs2,240.
Fare for central, southern routes
Travelers heading to Faisalabad will now pay Rs980 instead of Rs1,010. Fares to Sadiqabad have been reduced from Rs2,510 to Rs2,430, while Multan-bound passengers will see fares drop from Rs1,700 to Rs1,650.
Significant relief has also been announced for long-distance routes. The fare from Lahore to Karachi has been reduced from Rs5,800 to Rs5,620, while fares to Sukkur have dropped from Rs3,510 to Rs3,400.
Also Read: Petrol prices slashed by Rs10.28 per litre as Pakistan welcomes New Year with relief
Officials say the reductions reflect the government’s intention to pass on the benefits of cheaper fuel directly to the public. Commuters are expected to see immediate savings as revised fares come into effect across Punjab.
On Wednesday night, Pakistan entered the New Year with significant relief for consumers after the federal government announced a Rs10.28 per litre reduction in petrol prices for the next fortnight, effective from January 1, 2026.
High-Speed Diesel (HSD) prices have been reduced by Rs8.57 per litre, lowering the rate from Rs265.65 to Rs257.08. Meanwhile, Motor Spirit (MS), commonly referred to as petrol, has seen a sharper cut of Rs10.28 per litre, bringing the price down from Rs263.45 to Rs253.17.
The Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division confirmed the fortnightly adjustment in a press release issued from Islamabad, stating that the revision was made after reviewing international oil prices and domestic economic factors.
