ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a special fuel relief programme aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens following a sharp rise in international oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Under the initiative, motorcycle, rickshaw and Qingqi users, along with owners of vehicles up to 800cc, will receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on petrol, the prime minister said.
According to the scheme, users of motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws and other two- and three-wheelers will be eligible for relief on up to 20 litres of petrol each month.
Owners of cars with engines up to 800cc, meanwhile, will receive the Rs100-per-litre subsidy on a maximum of 30 litres of petrol per month.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the programme would initially be rolled out in Islamabad Capital Territory during the night between Monday and Tuesday. It would subsequently be expanded to other parts of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, during the night between Wednesday and Thursday.
Registration for the scheme has already commenced, while details about the registration process will be shared with citizens through a public awareness campaign.
The prime minister acknowledged the difficulties being faced by people as a result of higher fuel prices and said the government was taking steps to provide relief during the challenging period.
He assured the public that the government would stand by them and would continue working to reduce the impact of rising petroleum costs.
Shehbaz also appreciated the provincial governments for assisting in the collection and provision of data on motorcycles, rickshaws and small cars required for registering eligible beneficiaries under the relief programme.
