Pakistan's rickshaw drivers struggle as LPG prices surge

LAHORE - After more than a decade navigating Lahore's congested streets as a rickshaw driver, Rashid Ali faces mounting financial pressure as liquefied petroleum gas prices continue their upward trajectory. The fuel, long regarded as an affordable option for Pakistan's working-class transport operators, has become increasingly unaffordable for drivers operating on razor-thin margins.

Rickshaw drivers, who depend heavily on LPG to keep their vehicles running, are among the hardest hit by the price surge. Many operators report being forced to reduce meals and cut other essential expenses to compensate for higher fuel costs, a difficult trade-off for workers already struggling to meet daily needs.

The situation reflects broader economic pressures facing Pakistan's informal transport sector, where thousands of drivers rely on three-wheeled vehicles as their primary income source. As fuel costs climb, operators face difficult choices between maintaining vehicle operations and covering basic living expenses for themselves and their families.

The impact extends beyond individual drivers, with higher operating costs potentially translating to increased fares for commuters and further strain on the country's already fragile urban transport system. Authorities have yet to announce measures to address the mounting concerns of the sector.