Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a one-month extension of the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, as well as for public and goods transport, aiming to provide immediate relief to households and drivers under economic strain.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier said the government will continue supporting economically vulnerable sections of society during the current crisis. He reiterated that the subsidy granted last month to motorcyclists, public transport and goods transporters will be extended for another month to help cushion the impact of rising global fuel costs.
Mr Sharif also directed transport operators not to raise passenger fares or freight charges, and ordered strict, effective monitoring of these relief measures to ensure they reach those in need. He pledged that providing relief to ordinary citizens remains the government’s top priority and assured the public that ‘the people will not be left alone under any circumstances.’ He expressed hope that regional tensions will ease soon so fuel prices can stabilise.
The statement noted that these subsidies form part of targeted relief announced earlier this month to soften the blow of global oil price shocks amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Measures include a subsidy of Rs100 per litre for two-wheeler users, capped at 20 litres per month for three months. Support for freight and public transport was specified as Rs70,000 per month for trucks carrying 80–85% of food items, Rs80,000 per month for large transport vehicles, and Rs100,000 per month for inter-city public service vehicles to help keep fares steady.