KARACHI: Escalating freight charges, war risk premiums, and rising diesel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict have compelled local motorcycle and three-wheeler loader assemblers to increase prices by Rs1,500 to Rs10,000, effective April 1.
While car manufacturers have yet to announce similar hikes, industry insiders anticipate they may soon follow suit.
Pak Star Automobile Ltd has raised prices of its 100cc to 200cc loaders by Rs10,000, citing higher costs of Chinese-origin parts, along with increased freight and transportation expenses. Meanwhile, N.J. Auto Industries has increased prices of all Super Power motorcycle models by Rs1,500 due to rising parts and logistics costs.
D.S. Motors has also revised prices upward, with its 70cc Unique motorcycles becoming Rs3,500 more expensive. The company attributes the increase to the overall economic situation, surging petroleum prices, and higher costs of sheet metal and aluminium components.
The recent Rs55 per litre increase in petrol prices—alongside expectations of a further Rs30 hike—has begun to influence consumer behavior. With public transport remaining inefficient, more buyers are turning to motorcycles as a cost-effective alternative.
Bike industry expert Mohammad Sabir Shaikh noted that many car owners are shifting towards motorcycles amid rising fuel costs and concerns over potential petrol shortages and further price hikes.
He added that the demand for electric bikes is also gaining momentum, particularly in the Rs150,000 to Rs300,000 price range.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), imports of completely and semi-knocked down (CKD/SKD) kits by local assemblers surged 75% to $50 million during July–February FY26, compared to $28.6 million in the same period last year—indicating sustained growth in the sector.
Two- and three-wheeler sales rose 24% year-on-year but declined 12% month-on-month to 159,512 units in February. Cumulative sales for the first eight months of FY26 reached 1.3 million units, reflecting a 31% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year.
Story by Aamir Shafaat Khan
