The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Communication Adviser while replying to a question from a newsman after the fuel price hike said rather nonchalantly that it is only reasonable that bus fare should rise following a price adjustment of fuels. But the comment appears to be naïve in response to an issue of great public concern. After all, people of modest means travel by buses and bus operators have been found going for arbitrary charge of fares in the wake of the price hike of fuels announced on Saturday.

Fare collected from the bus travelers is reported to be substantially higher than what should actually be. The Finance Adviser said on Sunday that fares would be calculated afresh by the relevant ministry in proportion to the price hike of fuel. But it seems unlikely that the matter would settle on the basis of that assurance. In the past also, some transporters raised fares according to their will and defied whatever was officially called the legitimate fare. The latest fare rise should be very stressful to people of modest means who travel by buses.

And not only bus fares prices of all kinds of essentials have increased overnight on the plea of their higher transportation and marketing costs. In many cases, goods from old stocks are also dearer even though sellers would not have to bear the new costs of transportation immediately. The burning question is, who should enforce the government stand that any price increase of essential goods and fares should be only in proportion of higher transportation and fuel costs. Responsible behaviour from sellers is most needed to protect consumers.