ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a special fuel relief package for motorcycle, rickshaw, Qingqi and small-car users to help ease the impact of sharply rising international oil prices.
Under the new scheme, eligible users will receive Rs100 per litre in fuel relief on specified monthly quotas, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The initiative comes amid renewed conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted major energy supply routes and pushed global oil prices higher. The crisis around the Strait of Hormuz, along with growing security threats to shipping through the Bab al-Mandab route, has raised concerns over further disruption to oil supplies.
Announcing the scheme, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government was fully aware of the financial pressure caused by rising fuel prices and would not leave the public alone during the difficult situation.
Under the relief programme, owners of motorcycles and three-wheelers will receive Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres. Owners of vehicles with engines of up to 800cc will receive the same relief on a monthly quota of 30 litres.
The scheme will become effective in Islamabad from midnight September 15, while consumers in the rest of the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, will receive the relief from midnight September 17.
Registration for the scheme has already begun. The government said details of the registration process would be communicated to the public through an awareness campaign.
Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the provincial governments for cooperating in the collection and provision of information concerning motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles eligible for the scheme.
According to state-run PTV News, further information about the programme, including registration procedures, is available through the government’s designated fuel-relief portal.
Petrol Price Rises to Rs375.82 Per Litre
The announcement follows the latest increase in petroleum prices. Petrol is currently priced at Rs375.82 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) costs Rs403.32 per litre.
The government is currently collecting Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel.
The international energy situation has become increasingly uncertain following attacks and disruptions affecting key oil infrastructure and shipping routes in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia recently shut its East-West oil pipeline after it was targeted in an aerial attack. Oil traders have warned that a prolonged shutdown could affect a significant portion of global oil supplies and push energy prices even higher.
The International Energy Agency has also warned that disruptions in Middle Eastern oil flows could persist longer than previously expected, potentially extending into 2027 and keeping pressure on fuel prices.
Government Moves to Cushion Consumers
The government had shifted to more frequent fuel-price adjustments following renewed hostilities in the Gulf region, citing volatility in international oil markets.
Before that, petroleum prices were being revised weekly, alongside measures aimed at conserving fuel. The government had also introduced targeted fuel-relief measures earlier in the year.
Despite the latest surge, diesel prices remain below their previous peak of Rs520.35 per litre, recorded on April 3. Petrol had also reached a high of Rs458.41 per litre on the same date.
The new Rs100-per-litre relief scheme is aimed specifically at reducing the immediate fuel burden on motorcycle, rickshaw and small-car users as international energy prices remain volatile.
