The government has started preparations to provide petrol subsidies to low-income people amid the ongoing energy crisis.
The Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom has developed a mobile application to distribute these subsidies. The app is currently being tested and will be launched across the country soon.
The subsidy program will mainly focus on two- and three-wheeler owners, such as motorcycles and rickshaws. Officials are considering a monthly petrol quota of 20 litres for motorcycles, but a final decision for vehicles up to 800cc has not yet been made. People outside the subsidy program will have to pay market prices, reflecting global oil rates.
Around 12,000 petrol pumps nationwide will participate in the program. Each pump will have dedicated nozzles for subsidized fuel and two mobile phones to operate the app. Consumers will receive vouchers through the app, which they must show at the pump to get subsidized fuel. Separate app interfaces will be created for retailers and consumers to make the system easy to use.
The subsidy quota for each user will be linked to their vehicle registration number and national identity card. This will ensure transparency and prevent misuse, as users cannot buy more fuel than their allotted quota.
The government will also set up a backup system to maintain fuel supply during emergencies. A 24-hour monitoring system will handle complaints and supervise operations.
Oil companies will provide the mobile devices at petrol stations, and the IT ministry will work with mobile manufacturers for supply. Training videos will be available at petrol pumps and in the app to guide both consumers and staff on using the system properly.
