Pakistan makes public transport free for a month after steep fuel price hikes

Insights

• Islamabad will offer free state-run public transport for 30 days starting April 4 at a government cost of 350 million rupees.
• The government raised petrol prices by 42.7% and diesel by 54.9%, prompting protests and long queues at fuel stations.
• Punjab and Sindh provinces also suspended fares for state-run services and announced targeted subsidies for trucks, buses, motorcyclists and small farmers.
• Authorities introduced a four-day workweek, extended school holidays and moved some classes online to reduce fuel consumption.
• Officials said the spike in global energy prices followed the Gulf conflict and reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The IMF reached an initial agreement to unlock a $1.2 billion support package for Pakistan.