Provincial governments have began rolling out fuel subsidy schemes after consultations with the federal government, which is coordinating the initiative for uniform implementation, with relief targeting bikers, farmers and transporters through digital systems such as mobile applications, cash wallets and Kisan cards, carrying an estimated fiscal impact of Rs65-70 billion per month.
Finance Minister (FM) Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that transport vehicles will receive monthly support of Rs70,000 for food carriers, Rs80,000 for large trucks and Rs100,000 for public service buses, while farmers will be given Rs1,500 per acre, as provinces move to manage distribution using their own administrative resources due to limited federal fiscal space.
Under the arrangement, provinces are expected to pool around Rs200 billion over three months based on their National Finance Commission shares, with Punjab contributing about Rs100 billion, Sindh Rs51-52 billion, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Rs15 billion and Balochistan Rs8-9 billion.
Punjab has introduced a fuel subsidy scheme for motorcycle owners under which eligible applicants will receive Rs2,000 per month, with registration available through a helpline or a mobile application, as residents can either call 100 or apply through the “Maryam ko Batain” app, provided the motorcycle is registered in Punjab and in the applicant’s name, while authorities have set conditions that the bike must be 70cc and the applicant must be a resident of the province, otherwise the application will not be processed.
To apply through the app, users are required to download it, create an account by entering personal details including CNIC, mobile number and date of birth, verify their number through an OTP, and then select the bike petrol subsidy option before submitting the required information, after which a request ID is issued and the application status can be tracked within the app.
In Sindh, the provincial government has opened registration for a Rs2,000 petrol subsidy through the Excise Department’s online portal, with Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah stating that applicants must ensure that the motorcycle and bank account are both registered in their own name, while the subsidy for 20 litres of fuel for April will be transferred after verification, and citizens can also check their application status through the department’s website or contact the call centre for assistance.
He said that ownership transfer must be completed if required, adding that the fee for transfer has been removed, while offices will remain open for extended hours, and clarified that individuals with more than one motorcycle will receive only one subsidy, with the amount to be credited directly into bank accounts.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government has launched the Ehsaas Fuel Support Programme to provide Rs2,000 per month to registered owners of motorcycles, scooters and rickshaws, with authorities stating that applicants must register through the Dastak mobile app by creating an account, entering vehicle details including registration and chassis number, and providing personal information such as CNIC, mobile number and address before submitting the application.
The government said that the required documents include CNIC copies, vehicle registration proof and a photo of the vehicle, while applications will be verified through e-Sahulat and reviewed by the Excise and Taxation Office, after which applicants will be informed of approval or rejection, adding that incomplete ownership transfers or incorrect information will lead to rejection.
In Balochistan, the provincial government has introduced a system focused on monitoring fuel prices alongside a targeted subsidy programme, with Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti stating that a helpline, 1129, has been set up to register complaints related to overcharging and irregularities in petroleum sales, while district administrations have been directed to enforce official rates.
He said that the subsidy programme is being implemented through administrative channels to support segments of the population, adding that authorities will take action against violations and that the system will operate under the supervision of the chief minister’s secretariat and the home department.
