The rising prices of petroleum products are beginning to impact public transport, with the Punjab government reportedly considering an increase in Metro bus fares to ease the financial burden of subsidies, sources said on Saturday.

The sources said a Rs10 hike is being discussed for Metro bus services in Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi, potentially effective from March 26.

Currently, Punjab provides a subsidy of Rs31 billion across the province, keeping Metro bus fares at Rs30.

A Punjab government spokesperson, however, clarified that no final decision on fare increases has been made yet.