Pakistani online bike riders and delivery workers are facing financial nightmare as petrol prices skyrocket amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, sending inflation spiraling. Petrol surged to a staggering Rs458.41 per litre before easing slightly to Rs378, while diesel shot up to Rs. 520.35 per litre, forcing workers to bear the brunt of this crisis.
Ride-hailing platforms like inDrive and Bykea are feeling the shockwaves. Operating costs have skyrocketed, ride fares are rising, and drivers are reporting impossible working conditions. Daily fuel expenses that once hovered around Rs1,600 have now surged past Rs2,000, pushing previously profitable drivers into losses.
A captain who used to earn Rs3000-3,500 per day is now barely breaking even, or worse, operating at a net loss.
For passengers, the sting is immediate. Commuting costs have nearly doubled, forcing people to seek alternatives: overcrowded public transport and shared rickshaw rides are now the only viable options for many.
Even the private sector is scrambling to adapt. Hybrid work models and work-from-home policies, once seen as perks, have become essential to cope with soaring transport costs and the mounting economic pressure.
New Petrol Price in Pakistan
| POLs | Price |
| Petrol | Rs378.41 |
| Diesel | Rs520.35 |
As fuel prices remain volatile, the struggle for online cab drivers and daily commuters shows no sign of easing—pushing Pakistan closer to a tipping point in everyday life and economic stability.
Online cab service is getting stern competition. Last year, Careem, owned by Uber, shut down its Pakistan operations after nearly a decade of services, citing economic instability, rising competition, and limited global capital as key reasons.
Careem initially dominated Pakistan’s ride-hailing market, serving over 12 million users and 820,000 drivers, with features such as premium rides, flexible pricing, and safety measures. However, volatile fuel prices, poor road conditions, and regulatory hurdles increased costs and limited profitability.
Competition intensified with entrants like inDrive offering cheaper fares and flexible pricing, while local startups such as Bykea expanded, further squeezing margins. Globally, ride-hailing companies are increasingly exiting low-margin markets, and even Careem’s consolidated presence could not withstand these pressures.
PM Shehbaz announces Rs80 cut in petrol price, new rate set at Rs378 per litre
