IT Minister Inspects Fuel Stations Instead of Petroleum Minister

Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima conducted unscheduled late-night inspections at various petrol pumps in Islamabad to oversee the execution of the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme, rather than visiting under the purview of the petroleum minister. During her visits, the minister engaged with ordinary citizens to gather insights on the challenges they encountered while registering for and receiving fuel relief.

She also offered guidance on accurately completing the registration procedure. The minister made it clear that eligible individuals only need to register once and are not required to repeat the process. She instructed the administration to ensure uninterrupted distribution of relief to all registered individuals who qualify based on the scheme's criteria.

Shaza Fatima also decreed that petrol pumps found delaying or refusing to supply subsidized fuel under the scheme should be closely monitored. The Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme was introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of escalating petrol prices on low-income households, exacerbated by surging global oil prices and regional tensions in the Middle East.

Under the scheme, eligible users of motorcycles, rickshaws, and various two and three-wheeled vehicles, as well as cars with engines not exceeding 800cc, will be granted Rs. 100 per liter in relief, subject to monthly limits. The scheme is limited to noncommercial users and is administered through a digital Fuel Pass System, wherein registration and fuel tokens are dispensed via SMS.