PM terms tech-based fuel subsidy a game changer

November 05, 2026 (MLN): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the progress and transparency of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Programme, saying the technology-based subsidy initiative will prove a game changer for public welfare.

He directed the authorities to cancel the licences of petrol pumps that fail to facilitate registered beneficiaries under the petrol subsidy scheme.

Over 15.5mn citizens have registered so far, including 15.06mn motorcycle owners and 449,000 owners of vehicles with engine capacity of up to 800cc, while payments of Rs28.6bn have been made under the scheme as of November 4, 2026.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review progress on the programme, said a press release issued.

The meeting was informed that more than 63.15mn fuel subsidy tokens have been issued, of which over 59.44mn have been redeemed.

The prime minister said simplifying the registration and subsidy disbursement procedures has led to a rise in registrations, enabling more deserving citizens to benefit from the facility.

Separate call centres have been set up for consumers and petrol pumps to provide information about the programme and address complaints.

The prime minister appreciated Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, IT and Telecommunication Secretary Zarar Hashim Khan and their team for developing an effective monitoring mechanism and dashboard for the scheme.

Copyright Mettis Link News