Commuters welcome PM ’s Rs100 per litre petrol relief scheme

ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP):Daily commuters, motorcycle riders, rickshaw drivers and small car owners have welcomed Prime Minister’s petrol relief package, describing the Rs100 per litre subsidy as a much-needed support measure amid high fuel prices.

The scheme, aimed at easing the burden on low- and middle-income groups, provides monthly savings of up to Rs2,000 for two- and three-wheelers and up to Rs3,000 for small cars.

The relief initiative was announced after a sharp increase in petrol prices, with petrol reaching Rs375.82 per litre following successive hikes linked to global oil market pressures and tensions in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was aware of the difficulties faced by citizens due to rising fuel costs and assured that steps were being taken to provide relief to vulnerable segments of society.

Under the scheme, motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqis and other two- and three-wheelers are eligible for a Rs100 per litre discount on up to 20 litres of petrol per month, providing maximum savings of Rs2,000.

Small cars with up to 800cc will receive the same discount on up to 30 litres per month, with savings of up to Rs3,000. The scheme allows eligible motorcycle, Qingqi and rickshaw users to purchase fuel according to their requirements, with each eligible two and three-wheeler user entitled to four tokens per month, each carrying a relief amount of Rs 500. For example, if two litres of petrol costs Rs 780, the beneficiary would pay Rs 280 after applying the Rs 500 relief token.

Registration is being carried out through a dedicated system along with public awareness campaigns.

In a further step to expand coverage, it has been directed that motorcycles and rickshaws registered from January 1, 2006 onwards be included in the scheme, extending eligibility from the previous 2011 cut-off date.                                                            SMS has been made free for everyone, whether they own an 800cc vehicle or a two or three-wheeler.

Commuters at fuel stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi expressed satisfaction with the initiative.

Muhammad Saleem, a daily motorcycle commuter from Rawat to Islamabad, said the subsidy would significantly reduce his monthly fuel burden. “I travel around 60 kilometres daily for work and my fuel expenses had crossed Rs9,000 per month.

 The Rs2,000 relief will help me manage household expenses,” he said.

He added that registration was simple, requiring applicants to send an SMS in the format REG [CNIC] [Vehicle Number] [Province Code] [Registration Date DDMMYYYY] from a SIM registered in their own name to 9771.

Rickshaw driver Waheed Khan from Pir Wadhai said fuel prices directly affected the earnings of transport workers.

 “Our livelihood depends on petrol. When prices rise, passengers also face difficulties with fares.

This relief will help us maintain fares and support our families,” he said.

He added that unlike previous schemes involving lengthy procedures, the current registration process was easier. “I registered my Qingqi through SMS and then received the token. The system is simple and convenient,” he said.

Small car owners also welcomed the initiative. Ayesha Khan, a school teacher who drives a 660cc vehicle, said the relief would benefit salaried families, particularly those using small cars for daily commuting and school pick-and-drop duties.

Some citizens stressed the need for effective monitoring to ensure that the subsidy reaches genuine beneficiaries and is implemented transparently at petrol stations.

Bilal Ahmed, a commuter in Rawalpindi, said awareness campaigns at fuel stations and public places were helping people understand the registration process.

 “The banners explaining the SMS method are especially useful for low-income workers and those who may not be familiar with online procedures,” he said.

The government has urged eligible citizens to complete registration and use the facility according to the announced guidelines to benefit from the targeted petrol relief package.