Dar reviews fuel relief scheme as registrations cross 7.6 million

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reviewed the implementation of the government’s fuel relief scheme and praised the coordinated efforts of federal and provincial institutions to provide relief to eligible consumers.

Dar chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy on Tuesday to assess progress on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Special Fuel Relief Scheme, which was introduced amid rising fuel prices linked to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

The scheme, launched nationwide on September 17, provides a subsidy to owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc.

According to officials, around 7.6 million people have registered for the scheme so far, while approximately 7.71 million subsidy tokens have been redeemed. The token redemption process has now entered its second week.

Dar appreciated the contribution of the Ministry of Information Technology, Petroleum Division, Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, State Bank of Pakistan and provincial governments in implementing the programme.

He stressed the need for continued coordination among the relevant institutions to facilitate beneficiaries and ensure that the subsidy reaches eligible consumers smoothly.

Under the scheme, owners of two- and three-wheeled vehicles are entitled to a subsidy of Rs100 per litre for a monthly quota of 20 litres. Owners of vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc can receive the same subsidy for up to 30 litres per month.

During the meeting, Dar also reviewed the government’s fuel conservation and austerity measures. He directed the relevant ministries and departments to ensure effective implementation of decisions taken at earlier meetings.

The government has introduced several measures to conserve fuel amid disruptions in international energy markets. These include reducing fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50 per cent for three months and directing markets to close by 9pm.

A separate meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures was also held under Dar’s chairmanship. Officials discussed fiscal discipline and the prudent use of public resources.

The government’s fuel relief and conservation measures come as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global energy supplies. Disruptions around major maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, have contributed to volatility in international fuel markets.