PM extends fuel subsidy for transport sector by one month

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday extended the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public transport and goods transport by another month as he announced the continuation of measures aimed at providing relief to the public amid the prevailing economic situation.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier directed the relevant authorities to ensure that any increase in passenger fares and freight charges was prevented at all costs.

He stressed the need for effective monitoring of relief measures so that their benefits reached deserving individuals directly.

“The government would continue to extend maximum possible relief to the public, with facilitating the common citizen remaining its top priority,” the prime minister said, adding that people would not be left alone under any circumstances.

PM Shehbaz said the federal government, in collaboration with the provinces, had provided a national relief package worth billions of rupees for the common man during difficult times.

He also expressed hope that the regional situation would improve soon, enabling stability in petroleum product prices.

The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran in February, after which Tehran retaliated with strikes and closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil supplies and prompting a surge in international oil prices.

Amid rising oil prices, the government, in the first week of March, increased petroleum product prices twice, noting that the hikes exceeded the surge in the international market. However, the most significant increase was witnessed in April this year.

Earlier this month, the government raised the petrol price by Rs137 per litre, taking it to a record Rs458.4. However, a few days later, the prime minister, in a televised address, announced a Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol, bringing its price down to Rs378 per litre.

As part of the relief measures, a subsidy of Rs100 per litre was announced for motorcycle users, while goods transport operators were offered financial assistance for one month: Rs70,000 for small trucks, Rs80,000 for large trucks, and Rs100,000 for public transport buses. The measures aim to prevent increases in the prices of essential commodities and transport fares.

The government also extended support to small farmers by offering financial assistance of Rs1,500 per acre, while ensuring that economy-class fares for Pakistan Railways passengers remain unchanged. The measures were also implemented in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, with the government pledging to provide all necessary resources.

Following the federal initiative, the Sindh government announced a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcyclists across the province. Similarly, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government launched the Ehsaas Fuel Support Programme, under which motorcycle, scooter and rickshaw owners will receive Rs2,000.