Pakistan launches fuel relief scheme for small vehicle users

The Pakistani government has launched a targeted fuel relief scheme to assist low- and middle-income citizens facing rising petrol prices. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a Rs100-per-litre discount for specific vehicle categories.

Under the program, owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, and Qingqi vehicles are eligible for relief on up to 20 litres of petrol per month. Owners of vehicles with engine capacities up to 800cc can receive the discount on up to 30 litres per month. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik estimated the scheme will cost between Rs25 billion and Rs30 billion monthly, potentially totaling Rs300 billion over ten months.

Registration is conducted via SMS by sending details to 9771. Eligible users must provide their CNIC, vehicle registration number, province, and registration date. Once registered, beneficiaries can obtain a fuel token by texting “TOK” to the same number. The scheme began in Islamabad on September 15 and is rolling out across the rest of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, by September 17.

In response to rising fuel costs, the government is also considering austerity measures, including a possible “petroleum smart lockdown” featuring a four-day working week and reduced commuting to lower fuel consumption.