Pakistan announces Rs100 per litre petrol relief for bikes, small cars

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a targeted fuel subsidy on Sunday, offering a Rs100 per litre discount on petrol for users of motorcycles, rickshaws, and small cars to mitigate the impact of surging global oil prices. The scheme, which aims to provide relief to millions of lower and middle-income households, comes as petrol prices in the country have climbed to Rs375.82 per litre following recent increases. Under the announced plan, eligible two- and three-wheeler users, including motorcycles, rickshaws, and Qingqis, will receive the discount on a monthly quota of up to 20 litres. Owners of small cars with engine capacities up to 800cc will receive the same Rs100 per litre relief on up to 30 litres per month. At current prices, this would effectively reduce the cost per litre for eligible consumers to Rs275.82. The government stated the subsidy will be implemented in phases. It will take effect in the capital, Islamabad, at midnight on September 15, and across the rest of the country, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, at midnight on September 17.