KARACHI: Rising freight charges, war risk premiums and diesel prices in the wake of the ongoing Middle East conflict have forced local bike and three-wheeler loader assemblers to raise prices by Rs1,500-10,000, effective April 1.

While carmakers have yet to announce any price increases, market participants believe they may also follow suit.

Pak Star Automobile Ltd has raised prices of 100cc-200cc loaders by Rs10,000, citing an increase in the cost of Chinese-made parts, freight and transportation charges.

N.J. Auto Industries has announced a price hike of Rs1,500 on all models of Super Power motorcycles due to higher parts prices and transportation costs.

Higher fuel, freight and parts costs drive increases

D.S. Motors has increased the price of 70cc Unique motorcycles by Rs3,500, attributing the hike to the economic situation, higher petroleum prices and rising costs of sheet metal parts and aluminium.

Following a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol prices, along with expectations of a further Rs30 per litre hike, coupled with an inefficient public transport system, more consumers may turn to two-wheelers as a fuel-efficient alternative to cars.

Bike sector expert Mohammad Sabir Shaikh told Dawn that after a sharp increase in petrol prices, many car owners are opting to buy motorcycles as it may become difficult to continue using cars if fuel prices rise further.

“A fear also looms among consumers over possible petrol shortages and further price increases. This is pushing buyers towards two-wheelers,” he said.

He added that higher petrol prices have also triggered increased demand for electric bikes, particularly models priced between Rs150,000 and Rs300,000.

According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), imports of completely and semi-knocked down kits by local bike assemblers rose 75pc in July-February FY26 to $50m from $28.6m in the same period last fiscal year, indicating that bike sales may remain strong in the coming months.

The country’s two- and three-wheeler sales increased 24pc year-on-year but declined 12pc month-on-month to 159,512 units in February. This brought cumulative 8MFY26 sales to 1.3m units, up 31pc year-on-year.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2026