KARACHI: The downward trend in diesel rates over the last 10 days has yet to bring any respite for the consumer because goods’ transporters are reluctant to lower charges as they fear that diesel prices may again start climbing.

Moreover, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has shot up to Rs550 per kg. The fuel is used by small vehicles for intra-city transportation of essential commodities.

The diesel rate, which was Rs402 per litre on Oct 31, has now come down to Rs378. Trailers and trucks carrying goods from Karachi to other parts of the country run on diesel.

Confusion prevails as the price of diesel, the fuel used by vehicles on long routes, has plunged, while rate for LPG, which is used by vehicles within a city, has hit the roof.

Chairman of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (APGTA) Nisar Hussain Jafri said goods carriers had discussed a move to lower freight charges, but did not act upon the suggestion because of the uncertainty surrounding daily rates determined by the government and the unpredictable Middle East conflict.

“If the government assures us that diesel prices will remain unchanged for at least 10 days, transporters may look at bringing down charges,” Mr Jafri said.

“The practice of daily revision stops us from making any long-term commitment to our clients.”

Rauf Ibrahim, a former chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA), said wholesale rates had remained unchanged so far.

He said wholesalers might not pass on the impact of low transportation cost as they still have stocks of goods which they lifted at previous haulage cost.

In any diesel price fluctuation, Ibrahim added, wholesalers usually pass on the impact first, but consumers do not get any benefit as retailers either refuse to lower prices of essential items or try to buy time before doing so. In case the wholesale prices of commodities come down and retailers lift the commodities at reduced rates, he said, the city government needs to ensure that retailers pass on the impact of falling transportation charges and impose heavy fines on them if they are caught overcharging.

No change in prices

Consumers continue to pay Rs320-360 per kilogram for Masoor, Rs400-440 for Moong, Rs520-540 for Mash and Rs350-370 per kg for daal Chana, while a 20kg wheat flour bag still costs Rs2,200-3,540 despite the arrival of imported wheat last week.

Fine flour is being sold at Rs190 per kg.

A five-litre cooking oil container and a one-kilogram ghee pouch cost Rs3,090-3,115 and Rs600-640, respectively. Sugar sells at Rs140-150 per kg.

Average quality beef, with bones, is priced at Rs1,400-1,600, while boneless beef sells for Rs1,800 per kg.

The price of mutton has shot up to Rs3,000 per kg.

According to a retailer, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) plays an important role in transportation of essential goods on Suzuki and Hyundai Shehzore from Jodia Bazar and New Subzi Mandi to retail markets across the city.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026