As global oil prices surge due to ongoing crises and war, provincial governments in Pakistan have announced targeted subsidies to ease the burden on citizens. Leaders have urged transporters not to pass increased fuel costs on to the public.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a statement on X, said that fuel prices are under pressure due to global crises and the prevailing war situation.
To reduce the burden, the Punjab government is providing monthly targeted subsidies. These include Rs70,000 for registered goods transport, Rs80,000 for large vehicles, and Rs100,000 for public service buses.
Maryam emphasized that the subsidy has been introduced specifically to provide relief to citizens. She strongly appealed to transporters across Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, to act responsibly.
She urged them not to pass on the increased fuel costs to passengers and consumers, calling it a time for “responsibility, compassion, and solidarity.”
Govt vows strict monitoring
The Punjab chief minister assured that the government will closely monitor the situation. She said effective regulations will be enforced to ensure that the relief measures truly benefit the public.
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The goal, she added, is to make sure that subsidies translate into real financial relief for commuters.
Sindh announces additional relief measures
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that difficult decisions were taken in view of the country’s economic conditions.
He noted that although global oil prices were rising, the government had avoided increasing prices for three weeks, despite both advantages and disadvantages.
The Sindh government has introduced a subsidy program for motorcyclists, given that around 6.6 million motorcycles are registered in the province. Under this initiative, motorcyclists will receive a subsidy of approximately Rs100 per liter through a mobile app.
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Each registered motorcycle owner will receive Rs2,000 per month, with payments scheduled between April 15 and April 20. Registration through the app will be mandatory to receive the subsidy.
Support for farmers and transport sector
In addition to fuel relief, small landowners in Sindh will receive Rs1,500 per acre to cover additional threshing costs. Bus owners will also be given Rs100,000 per month, on the condition that they guarantee not to increase fares.
Murad reiterated that the government continues to provide subsidies on petroleum products to manage the impact of rising global oil prices.
Both provincial governments are aiming to balance economic pressures with public relief, while ensuring that transporters and service providers do not shift the burden onto citizens.
