Transporters in Punjab have announced a 10% reduction in inter-city fares following the government’s decision to slash petrol and diesel prices.

PM Shehbaz Sharif, in an address to the nation on Thursday, announced the Rs40.54 decrease in per litre price of diesel while petorl was reduced by Rs18.5. The decision came in the aftermath of global oil prices.

The All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Federation (APPTOF) said that they had reduced the fares in the public interest. However, they said would reduce the prices more if the district government decreased the fees taken from them en route.

There was a Rs100 reduction in fare from Lahore to Rawalpindi, a Rs50 reduction from Lahore to Faisalabad, a Rs100 reduction from Lahore to Multan, and a Rs200 reduction from Lahore to Sadiqabad.

While the petrol prices have decreased, the public is uncertain if this relief will last. A Rs50 levy on petroluem products, approved by the National Assembly in this year’s budget, has been held back temporarily.

There is also the perception that the relief has been given due to the upcoming Punjab by-elections, which will be crucial in deciding the next chief minister of Punjab.