LAHORE, April 9: An eight per cent increase in rail fares is on the cards because of the higher rates of oil, it is learnt.

A summary in this regard has been sent to the prime minister for final approval, official sources informed Dawn here on Saturday.

“The oil prices have been increased six times since December 2004 when the rail fares were last revised upward by six to eight per cent. The railways has been bearing the additional cost since then, but the oil price hike afterwards has necessitated adjustments in the fares,” they said.

The proposed adjustment in the fares — eight per cent — would not burden the common man, as “these are negligible,” sources claimed. The new fare structure would be enforced after approval from the prime minister.

Railways Minister Mian Shamim Haider, who was in Lahore to preside over the 83rd divisional superintendents’ meeting, however, said there was no such thing at the moment. But, he said, adjustments could be made in the fares if the oil prices continued to increase.