Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a new fuel relief scheme for motorcycle, rickshaw, Qingqi, and small-car users. The move comes as global oil prices rise due to growing tensions in the Middle East. The Prime Minister’s Office said the scheme aims to reduce the impact on ordinary citizens.
Under the scheme, motorcycle, rickshaw, and other two- and three-wheeler users will receive Rs100 relief per litre. The relief will apply to up to 20 litres of petrol each month. Owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc will also receive Rs100 per litre. However, their monthly limit will be increased to 30 litres.
The new scheme will start in Islamabad from the night between Monday and Tuesday. It will then be introduced across Pakistan from the night between Wednesday and Thursday. The rollout will also cover Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Registration for the scheme opened on Sunday, while details will be shared through an awareness campaign.
The announcement follows another increase in fuel prices earlier this week. The government raised petrol prices by Rs3.05 per litre and HSD prices by Rs5.37 per litre. The new prices took effect from Friday and will remain in place through Monday. This marked the fourth consecutive increase in petroleum prices.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government understands the pressure higher fuel prices are putting on the public. He added that people would not be left alone during the current situation. The prime minister also thanked the provinces for sharing vehicle data. This information will help authorities register motorcycles, rickshaws, and small vehicles under the scheme.
Global oil prices have also added pressure on fuel costs in Pakistan. International oil prices fell on Friday but remained on track for a weekly gain of more than 8%. US diesel prices also reached a record high. Attacks along Middle East shipping routes have raised concerns over longer supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures settled at USD104.61 per barrel on Friday. The price fell by USD3.02, or 2.81%, during the session. The latest scheme builds on an earlier government effort to support low-income commuters. The federal government had announced a similar relief plan earlier this year for April.
Shehbaz Sharif had directed provincial governments to help motorcycle and rickshaw owners register their vehicles. The move was linked to a specialized Fuel Support Program. The program was designed to protect low-income commuters from changes in global oil prices. It also aimed to improve the government’s vehicle data.
Shehbaz Sharif said the initiative would digitize motorcycle and rickshaw records across Pakistan. This data could also help owners access future government relief programs. He had asked authorities to contact the chief secretaries of all four provinces. Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were also included in the process.
Provincial governments have also introduced separate measures to reduce the impact of higher fuel costs. Punjab and Sindh announced relief packages on April 3. The measures included fuel subsidies and free public transport initiatives.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced free fares across major urban transit systems. These included the Orange Line and Metro Bus services. Punjab also introduced a Rs100 per litre diesel subsidy for the agricultural sector. The measure was part of the province’s wider relief package.
Sindh also announced a separate support program for motorcycle owners. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000. The subsidy will be available to millions of registered motorcyclists across Sindh. The provincial Excise Department also developed a mobile app for registration.
Motorcycle owners can use the app to enter their CNIC details and claim the subsidy. The latest federal scheme now expands fuel support to more vehicle users across Pakistan.
