Over 7.5 million citizens benefit from PM fuel subsidy scheme

More than 7.5 million citizens have benefited from the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme since its launch on September 15, while over 10.3 million fuel subsidy tokens have been successfully used.

A meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reviewed progress on the fuel relief scheme, under which petrol subsidies are being provided to owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles with engines up to 800cc.

According to the briefing, more than 8.4 million people have registered for the scheme so far, while over 7.5 million citizens have received the subsidy. Of the 12.2 million tokens issued for the subsidy, more than 10.3 million have been successfully used, the meeting was told.

The scheme is currently being implemented in 129 districts across the country, with all petrol pumps providing the facility to eligible citizens, according to the briefing.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government was committed to providing relief to the middle- and lower-income segments amid high petroleum prices. He said the number of beneficiaries showed that citizens were making effective use of the scheme.

The prime minister also praised the efforts of the government team and federal and provincial authorities involved in implementing the scheme, including the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).

He said the database developed for the fuel relief scheme would also be used in the future to facilitate citizens.

The scheme has entered its third week since its launch on September 15. A 24-hour call centre has also been established to assist citizens and petrol pump operators with registration and other issues.