PM fuel relief scheme tops 2.2m registrations, 1.9m tokens issued

More than 2.2 million people have registered for the Prime Minister’s Special Fuel Scheme as the government expands targeted relief for motorists facing higher fuel costs. Around 1.9 million relief tokens have already been issued, with the programme operating across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said users of motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws account for about 92% of registered beneficiaries. Of the tokens issued so far, approximately 1.8 million have gone to users of two- and three-wheelers, while about 152,000 have been issued for vehicles with engines of up to 800cc.

The scheme was introduced following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the government sought to provide targeted assistance amid rising petrol and diesel costs linked to international tensions. Officials have presented the programme as an alternative to a general fuel subsidy, with support directed toward smaller vehicles and consumers considered more vulnerable to increases in transport expenses.

A digital dashboard developed by the Ministry of Information Technology supports the programme, while a backend system generates relief tokens for eligible applicants. Registration can be completed using a basic mobile phone through an SMS-based process. Applicants are not required to own the vehicle being registered and can apply using the vehicle’s registration number and registration date.

The government has also revised several conditions after receiving public and media feedback. Eligibility was relaxed for motorcycles, Qingqis and rickshaws registered after 2006, while SMS registration charges were removed. Authorities also dropped an earlier condition that restricted subsidised fuel for two- and three-wheelers to five litres for each weekly token.

Under the revised arrangement, motorcycle, Qingqi and rickshaw users can receive one token each week and up to four tokens per month. Each token provides Rs500 in fuel relief. Owners of cars with engines of up to 800cc can receive Rs100 per litre in assistance on 10 litres of petrol every 10 days, allowing eligible motorists to receive relief on as much as 30 litres each month through three tokens.

Registrations have accelerated as awareness of the programme has increased. Tarar said around 500,000 people registered during the day preceding his press conference. The scheme is available at petrol stations operated by all oil marketing companies, with participating outlets displaying information for motorists and local administrations assigned to monitor implementation.

Petrol pumps are also receiving instructions through the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, while a dedicated monitoring facility at the Ministry of Information Technology is tracking the scheme around the clock. The system records activity including how many tokens are redeemed at individual fuel stations each day, giving authorities a mechanism to monitor usage as participation increases.

The government says the next phase will focus on nationwide implementation, public feedback and ensuring eligible consumers can access the benefit without unnecessary barriers. Officials have encouraged qualifying motorists to register and use the facility as the number of participants continues to rise.