Prime Minister’s fuel relief scheme to launch nationwide tonight

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has finalised arrangements to roll out the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme across Pakistan at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday, offering targeted fuel subsidies to eligible vehicle owners.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the scheme will become operational nationwide at 11:59pm on September 16, after initially being implemented in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the relief package on Sunday for owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc. Under the scheme, eligible motorcycle and three-wheeler owners will receive a Rs100 per litre subsidy on up to 20 litres of fuel per month.

Owners of vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc will also receive a Rs100 per litre subsidy, with the monthly relief capped at 30 litres.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting on Tuesday to review preparations for the nationwide implementation. He directed relevant authorities to keep the registration process simple and accessible so that eligible citizens can easily benefit from the scheme.

The government will begin nationwide registration through SMS to 9771, while redemption of fuel tokens will start at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday.

Dar also directed authorities to ensure effective public awareness and smooth implementation at petrol stations. Elected representatives have been asked to help spread information about the scheme and assist citizens with registration.

Volunteers associated with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme will also be engaged to support public outreach and registration activities.

During a separate meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, Dar ordered that payments to participating petrol stations be cleared within 24 hours through the State Bank of Pakistan. Provincial administrations were also instructed to complete district-level awareness campaigns to ensure the relief reaches eligible beneficiaries without disruption.

The relief programme comes amid a sharp increase in domestic fuel prices linked to disruptions in international oil supply routes. Tensions in the Middle East and difficulties affecting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, have contributed to pressure on global oil markets.

Under the latest price revision, petrol is selling at Rs380.24 per litre, while high-speed diesel costs Rs409.42 per litre.

The government is currently charging Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel, adding to the overall cost faced by consumers.