Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the implementation of petroleum subsidies in light of recent regional tensions. He directed authorities to roll out a comprehensive relief package aimed at keeping transport fares in check and controlling the prices of essential goods.
During the meeting, officials shared updates on fuel subsidies, national reserves, and consumption patterns. They assured that the country has enough petroleum stocks to meet current demand.
As part of the relief package, monthly subsidies have been set at Rs100,000 for passenger buses, Rsopkk 40,000 for mini buses and wagons, Rs70,000 for trucks, Rs80,000 for large cargo vehicles, and Rs35,000 for delivery vans.
To ensure transparency, the subsidies are being distributed through digital wallets. Payments have already started after the prime minister instructed authorities to begin the process ahead of schedule.
The government informed the meeting that distribution, which was initially planned for Monday, was launched on Saturday after provincial governments provided verified data of transport vehicles to federal authorities.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the Government of Balochistan for its contribution to the relief package and thanked Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti for his prompt support. He also urged other provinces to speed up their contributions.
He pointed out that the government has delivered Rs129 billion in relief over the past three weeks and stressed that citizens will continue to receive support during difficult times.
He also mentioned key steps taken recently, including a Rs80 per litre cut in petroleum levy, continuation of a Rs. 6 billion subsidy for railways to avoid fare increases, and the rollback of a 25 percent quarterly hike in toll tax.
The prime minister added that Pakistan Railways will keep fares unchanged for both passengers and freight services under the subsidy.
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Officials further confirmed that fuel reserves in the country remain sufficient. The Intelligence Bureau also briefed participants on ongoing austerity measures and governance reforms across various government departments.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with federal and state ministers, advisers, and senior officials.