The Sindh government has launched a targeted fuel subsidy program for public transport to stabilize fares and provide relief to commuters, Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced on Sunday.
The initiative comes in response to rising petrol and diesel prices, which have placed financial pressure on the transport sector. Under the scheme, transporters will receive a “targeted fuel differential subsidy” to prevent fare increases and ease the burden on the public.
For intra-city transport, the monthly subsidies are as follows:
- Buses, minibuses, and coaches: up to Rs240,000
- Vans: up to Rs230,000
- Suzuki pickup vehicles: up to Rs60,000
For inter-city transport, monthly subsidies depend on route and vehicle type:
- Buses: up to Rs1.2 million
- Vans: Rs180,000 to Rs750,000
The program is expected to benefit more than 9,000 intra-city vehicles and 1,100 inter-city vehicles, reaching around 57 million passengers every month. Officials estimate the total government expenditure at approximately Rs2.2 billion per month, providing an average relief of Rs38 per passenger.
To ensure transparency, the subsidy program will operate through a fully digital, app-based system for registration, verification, and payments. Subsidy disbursements will be processed via Sindh Bank, linked with data from the Excise Department, Regional Transport Authority (RTA), and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Passenger feedback and on-site inspections will also form part of the monitoring mechanism.
Minister Memon added that registration offices will remain open until April 15 to facilitate participation. Additionally, registered motorcycle owners will receive a fuel subsidy of Rs2,000 under the program.
