Fuel Relief Scheme Revised After Public Feedback, Five-Litre Condition Removed

ISLAMABAD: The government has revised the Prime Minister’s Special Relief Scheme for motorcycles, three-wheelers and rickshaws after receiving public feedback during the first 48 hours of its nationwide rollout.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review implementation of the scheme and discuss measures to make the relief more accessible.

Five-Litre Purchase Requirement Removed

Under the revised arrangement, beneficiaries using motorcycles, three-wheelers and rickshaws will no longer be required to purchase a minimum of five litres of fuel in a single transaction.

Instead, eligible beneficiaries will receive a Rs500 weekly fuel token, which can be redeemed for fuel in any quantity. The change will allow people who purchase smaller quantities of petrol to benefit from the scheme.

The government had initially structured the relief for two- and three-wheelers around Rs500 per week, equivalent to five litres at Rs100 per litre.

Age Limit Extended to 20 Years

The eligibility age limit for motorcycles and three-wheelers has also been increased from 15 years to 20 years.

The decision means vehicles registered from January 1, 2006 onward can qualify under the revised arrangement.

No Change for 800cc Vehicles

There is no change to the existing arrangement for four-wheelers up to 800cc.

Eligible users will continue to receive one 10-litre token every 10 days, equivalent to three tokens per month.

The government has also directed that the full Rs500 value of the token must be passed on to consumers, with petrol stations prohibited from applying any deduction or service charge.

Payment Monitoring Strengthened

The steering committee also reviewed registration, token redemption and payments to participating fuel stations.

Dar directed the State Bank of Pakistan to provide payment-status reports twice daily, at 11am and 7pm.

The reports will identify rejected transactions and specify the reasons for rejection so that issues can be resolved without delay.

The government has also previously directed that payments to fuel stations be settled through the State Bank within 24 hours.

Alternative Arrangements for Remote Areas

Dar directed officials to establish alternative arrangements for fuel stations in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and remote rural areas.

He stressed that the scheme is intended to provide relief to vulnerable citizens and that eligible beneficiaries should not be deprived of the facility because of their geographical location.

Scheme Adjusted After Public Feedback

The revisions represent the government’s response to implementation issues and feedback received following the nationwide launch of the fuel relief programme.

The changes are aimed at making the system more accessible to eligible motorcycle and rickshaw users, particularly those who cannot afford to purchase several litres of fuel in a single transaction.

The government has also established mechanisms for monitoring token redemption, resolving complaints and ensuring timely payments to fuel stations as the scheme continues nationwide.