Pakistan’s Fuel Relief Scheme aims to ease the impact of rising petrol prices on millions of commuters. The proposed three-month program targets motorcycle and rickshaw riders as well as owners of small cars.
What Is the Fuel Relief Scheme?
The Petroleum Division is proposing a Rs. 75 billion package for a three-month Fuel Relief Scheme for approximately 11.8 million consumers. This includes motorcycles, three-wheelers and cars with engines of up to 800cc.
Eligible users get a Rs. 100 per litre discount. It applies to motorcycles and three-wheelers for up to 20 litres per month and can be accessed for up to Rs. 2,000 in savings. The price for the small car owner is the same as the price for a car of up to 30 litres, up to Rs. 3,000 a month.
With the current petrol price of Rs. 375.82 per litre, that discount brings the effective cost down to Rs. 275.82 per litre for fuel covered under the quota.
Why the Government Is Stepping In?
This is straight from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after the hike in petrol and diesel prices in connection with the Gulf crisis. The price of petrol has risen by around Rs. 30 recently; diesel prices have increased by approximately Rs. 25, pushing prices to nearly Rs. 376 and Rs. 403 per litre, respectively.
How to Register for the Fuel Relief Scheme?
Registration began Sept. 14 and is completely via SMS. A valid CNIC, a SIM Card registered under your name, and your vehicle’s registration are required, which are then checked with provincial Excise Department records.
After registration, visit a petrol station and send an SMS message to 9771 before you fill up with fuel to get a Relief Token. Present the token at the pump, and the discount will be applied directly to your applicable quota.
Fuel Relief Scheme Rollout Timeline
The scheme is being launched on the night of 15th September in the town of Islamabad. From September 17 at night, it spreads over the whole of Pakistan, including the territories of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The System Behind It
The Ministry of IT and Telecom, with the cooperation of NADRA and telecom operators, created a Digital Fuel Pass System to manage registration, token issuance, and transaction verification. An additional Rs. 1.73 billion has been requested to build and operate this system, bringing total proposed funding to Rs. 76.73 billion.
Only one Vehicle may be registered for each eligible User. The system checks eligibility with the help of your CNIC, vehicle registration number, and mobile number in combination, and daily fuel token records are sent to the Petroleum Division for settlements at petrol stations.
Conclusion
The new fuel relief scheme is supposed to produce direct and unabashed savings to millions of everyday commuters who are facing a real price shock. The registration is underway, and rollout is scheduled to begin this week. Eligible users should register today to enjoy the Eligible users should register to benefit from the three-month scheme and the proposed Rs. 100 per litre fuel relief.
