KARACHI – Pakistanis are grappling with record-breaking fuel prices, with Petrol now at Rs458 per litre. Sindh government has rolled out an indirect relief measure, offering Rs 2,000 per month to motorcycle owners to help ease the financial burden.
Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that every motorcycle rider in the province will now receive Rs2,000 per month. The unprecedented relief package was revealed during a press conference in Karachi, promising instant financial aid to millions.
CM said that petrol will not be available at discounted rates at pumps, making this subsidy essential. Motorcycles will be registered via CNIC in just a few days through a dedicated application, and owners have 15 days to transfer vehicles to their names. Transfers will be completely free during this period.
A Rs 100 per liter subsidy will also be provided, with funds transferred to registered owners 15 days after registration.
The subsidy will initially target 70cc motorcycles and auto-rickshaws. Registered vehicles will receive Rs 100 per liter for 20 liters monthly, while unregistered vehicles and motorcycles above 70cc are excluded. The mobile application for registration and subsidy distribution is already ready.
Motorcyclists can check their registration on the Excise Department website, and once verified, Rs 2,000 will be transferred monthly.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that small farmers are also being aided amid rising diesel prices. Wheat prices have been fixed at Rs 3,500 per maund, and small farmers collectively owning 2 million acres will receive Rs 1,500 per acre, starting Monday. Large landowners, however, will not receive assistance.
The government has also announced monthly subsidies of Rs 100,000, 70,000, and 80,000 for public transport and goods transport. The program consists of four key components: two managed by provincial administrators, one by the federal government, but all funds will be provided by provinces.
Sindh has 6.7 million registered motorcycles, but many are not in the owner’s name. Chief Minister stated that Rs 100 per motorcycle will be given to rightful owners once registration is completed.
Murad Ali Shah also addressed regional tensions, referencing the recent attack on Iran and the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, expressing sorrow over the situation. He noted that Pakistan’s leadership, including the Field Marshal and Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in ending conflict.
CM revealed that Pakistan imports most fuel and energy, and global prices have surged. Despite this, PM kept prices stable for three weeks, providing a temporary subsidy that inadvertently benefited the wealthy. Petrol usage increased 20–25%, prompting IMF concerns.
New Petrol Price in Pakistan set at Rs458 after big increase amid global oil crisis
