Fuel relief scheme set for nationwide launch

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has unveiled a nationwide "relief scheme" for motorcycle, rickshaw, and vehicle owners up to 800cc, set to launch Wednesday night at midnight. The government finalized the arrangements for nationwide rollout, as per Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's statement. Owners of two- and three-wheeled vehicles will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs100 per litre on a 20-litre quota, while those with vehicles up to 800cc will get the same subsidy on a 30-litre quota.

The scheme's launch comes amid rising fuel prices due to Middle East hostilities, with petrol retailing at Rs380.24 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs409.42 per litre. Dar emphasized the need for a simple and accessible registration process to ensure maximum benefit for intended beneficiaries. All concerned authorities have been directed to ensure effective public outreach and smooth implementation at petrol stations.

The ninth meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy reviewed the nationwide rollout, with Dar directing payments to fuel stations to be settled within 24 hours through the State Bank of Pakistan. Provincial governments have been instructed to complete district-level outreach to ensure seamless delivery of relief to beneficiaries.