ISLAMABAD: Despite a significant reduction in petroleum prices in Pakistan, consumers say the benefit has yet to reach many private-sector services, with courier companies facing growing criticism for continuing to charge higher delivery fees and fuel surcharges.
While the government recently lowered petroleum prices after earlier increases linked to global oil market fluctuations and regional tensions, many businesses that raised their prices during the period of expensive fuel have not announced corresponding reductions.
Authorities have managed to bring down fares for parts of the public transport and freight sectors following administrative efforts in several districts. However, consumers say many private service providers, including courier and home delivery companies, have largely kept their existing rates unchanged.
Courier companies, whose operations depend heavily on transportation and fuel costs, are among the sectors drawing the most public attention. Customers and small businesses argue that fuel adjustment charges introduced or increased when petrol prices rose are still being applied despite the recent decline in fuel costs.
Owners of online businesses say the situation is adding to their operating expenses at a time when the e-commerce sector is already facing multiple challenges.
“When petrol prices increase even by a few rupees, courier companies quickly revise their delivery charges. Now that fuel prices have come down considerably, customers expected those charges to be reduced as well,” said Muhammad Aslam, who runs an online clothing business.
Consumers also say higher delivery costs are discouraging online shopping, with some customers cancelling orders because of expensive shipping charges.
Economic observers believe that while price monitoring mechanisms generally focus on traditional markets and essential commodities, there is limited oversight of pricing in many service sectors, including courier services, private educational institutions and app-based delivery platforms.
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Consumers and members of the business community have urged the government, the Ministry of Communications and the Competition Commission of Pakistan to examine whether fuel-related surcharges imposed by private service providers remain justified after the reduction in petroleum prices. They have called for measures to ensure that the impact of lower fuel prices is passed on to consumers and businesses alike.
However, courier companies have not publicly explained whether their current pricing reflects only fuel costs or includes other operational expenses such as wages, transportation, warehousing and inflation. Industry representatives have yet to issue a formal response to the concerns raised by consumers.
