ISLAMABAD: The government has approved a new mechanism allowing beneficiaries of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Fuel Relief Scheme to redeem fuel tokens through SMS at petrol stations located in areas without internet connectivity.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on September 19. The committee reviewed the nationwide implementation of the scheme and measures to improve access for eligible beneficiaries.
The committee was informed that the majority of fuel stations across the country are now connected to the scheme’s system, while citizens are continuing to redeem their fuel tokens. Registration remains available nationwide through SMS to 9771.
SMS Redemption Approved for Offline Areas
Under the newly approved arrangement, fuel tokens will also be redeemable through SMS at stations located in areas without internet connectivity.
AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan and the provincial administrations have been directed to provide lists of petrol stations operating in areas without internet access so they can be incorporated into the scheme without delay.
The measure follows earlier government directions to establish alternative arrangements for stations in areas with limited or no connectivity, including remote parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other rural regions.
Payment Claims Processed
The State Bank of Pakistan informed the committee that all payment claims received during the previous three days had been settled in full. Claims received each day were processed on the same day, according to the meeting briefing.
Dar directed authorities to ensure that every open and operational petrol station is included in the scheme. Stations that are permanently closed or sell only diesel are to be identified and removed from the list.
He said the scheme’s coverage should accurately reflect conditions on the ground and stressed that relief should reach eligible beneficiaries without unnecessary obstacles.
Scheme Expanded After Public Feedback
The latest decision comes after the government introduced other changes to the scheme based on feedback received during its first 48 hours of nationwide operation.
For motorcycles, three-wheelers and rickshaws, the minimum five-litre purchase requirement was removed. Beneficiaries now receive a weekly Rs500 token that can be used to purchase fuel in any quantity. The eligibility age for two- and three-wheelers was also increased from 15 to 20 years.
The scheme provides a Rs100-per-litre subsidy to eligible motorcycles, three-wheelers and vehicles with engine capacities of up to 800cc, subject to the applicable monthly quotas.
The meeting was attended by the federal ministers for Petroleum, Economic Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and IT and Telecommunication, along with senior officials from the State Bank of Pakistan, OGRA, provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.