The government plans to buy 24,000 mobile phones to run a new petrol subsidy application aimed at ensuring fair and controlled distribution of subsidized fuel. The devices will be installed at petrol pumps nationwide, allowing eligible consumers to access fuel within set quotas.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has invited expressions of interest (EOI) from local mobile phone manufacturers and assemblers. Only Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)-approved devices will be considered.
According to officials, the National IT Board will determine the pricing of the phones, while oil marketing companies will handle their purchase and distribution.
A total of 24,000 mobile phones will be deployed across 12,000 petrol pumps, with two nozzles at each pump designated for the subsidy program. The mobile application, developed by the IT Ministry, is in its final stages of testing and will issue digital vouchers to eligible users.
Initially, the program plans to provide up to 20 liters of subsidized petrol per month to motorcycle owners, with the possibility of extending it to cars up to 800cc still under review.
Why the Phones Are Needed
The government is buying 24,000 mobile phones to make its petrol subsidy program fair and efficient. These devices will run the mobile app at petrol pumps, ensuring that only eligible consumers receive their allotted fuel.
By linking subsidies to digital vouchers, the system aims to prevent misuse, reduce long queues, and improve transparency, while also allowing authorities to monitor fuel distribution nationwide during the ongoing energy crisis.
