Punjab, Sindh announce relief measures after massive fuel price hike 

Lahore/ Karachi (Web Desk): In the wake of the federal government’s announcement of massive increase in fuel prices, raising petrol by 43 percent and high-speed diesel by 55 percent, the Punjab and Sindh governments on Friday unveiled relief measures to ease the burden on citizens, as global oil price fluctuations hit home amid the Middle East tensions.

The Punjab government has announced a new initiative offering free rides on all intra-city public transport across the province.

In a statement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that passengers will no longer need to buy tickets when travelling on public transport services including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electric Bus.

She described the measure as a significant relief for the people of Punjab amid the ongoing global economic crisis.

The chief minister added that this step is part of the province’s efforts to implement Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s national savings and austerity plan.

The Punjab government has also announced financial support for farmers and the agricultural sector. Farmers will receive a diesel subsidy of Rs100 per litre per acre, while motorcyclists with registered bikes will be given Rs100 off for every 20 litres of fuel.

The Punjab CM lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stabilizing the supply and pricing of petroleum products across Pakistan for an entire month despite global market challenges.

Maryam noted that billions of rupees in relief have already been delivered to ease the burden on ordinary citizens, highlighting the premier’s commitment even under difficult economic conditions.

“The government will not leave its people to face hardships alone,” the Punjab CM said, urging citizens to make use of public transport rather than private vehicles during this exceptional period.

She further noted that the world is grappling with a severe economic crisis due to war, and Pakistan’s reliance on imported oil has amplified its impact.

The Punjab CM promised that as the situation improves, further measures would be introduced to lighten the financial load on the public.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while announcing the relief measures, said that the provincial government had to make “tough decisions.”

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he announced that motorcycle owners in the province will receive Rs2,000 per month as a fuel subsidy under a program aligned with the federal government’s recently introduced scheme.

The Sindh CM noted that the prime minister had avoided increasing fuel prices for three weeks, but the delay had both advantages and drawbacks.

“The blanket subsidy benefited everyone—rich and poor alike,” Murad Ali Shah said, highlighting concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund regarding the need for more “targeted support.”

He explained that consultations between the federal and provincial governments resulted in a “one-month plan with four key measures.”

The Sindh CM added that one of these measures specifically aimed to protect motorcycle owners from the steep price increase. 

Murad Ali Shah said that initially, an Rs100 subsidy had been announced, but under the revised plan, registered motorcycle owners will now receive Rs2,000 monthly.

He added that the provincial excise department has set up an online application system.

The Sindh CM said that motorcycle owners who register under their own name will receive the subsidy between April 15 and 20.

He urged citizens to verify their vehicle registration through the excise department’s website using their CNIC numbers, noting that the application form will become available within three days.

Earlier on Thursday, the federal government has announced a massive increase in the prices of petrol and diesel in view of rising energy costs in the international market due to the Middle East conflict.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister made the announcement during a joint press conference on Thursday.

According to the announcement, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs137.24 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs458.41 per litre.

Similarly, the price of diesel has been raised by Rs184.49 per litre, after which the new price of diesel has been set at Rs520.35 per litre.

Addressing the joint presser, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that a “Targeted Subsidy Program” will be introduced to assist low- and middle-income groups.

He said that resources are being redirected toward those who are most deserving and in need.

Under this plan, motorcyclists and other two-wheeler users will receive a subsidy of Rs100 per liter, with a monthly limit of 20 liters. This support will continue for 3 months.

Small-scale farmers will be provided with a one-time subsidy of Rs1500 per acre to help cover harvesting costs.
For inter-city public transport and freight services, a subsidy of Rs100 per liter will be granted for a period of 1 month.

Muhammad Aurangzeb added that truck operators will receive Rs70,000 per month, while heavy-duty vehicle owners will be given Rs80,000.

Passenger and public service buses will be allotted a subsidy of Rs100,000. He also noted that these measures will be reviewed again next month.

Muhammad Aurangzeb further said that financial support will be extended to Pakistan Railways to help lower fares for lower-income passengers.

The finance minister also mentioned that the government is considering revised market timings, which are expected to be implemented next week after consultations with provincial governments.

On March 6, Pakistan also introduced an extensive austerity and energy-saving strategy, initially announcing a steep increase of Rs55 per litre in petrol and diesel prices.

However, in the three subsequent weekly reviews, the federal government chose to keep petroleum prices unchanged.