Pakistan Expands Fuel Relief Scheme and Removes SMS Charges

The Government of Pakistan expanded the Prime Minister’s Special Fuel Relief Scheme on September 19, 2026, to increase accessibility for low-income vehicle owners. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima announced the abolition of the five-litre petrol limit per token for motorcycle, rickshaw, and Qingqi users, allowing them to purchase fuel based on their specific requirements. Eligibility was also broadened to include motorcycles registered as far back as January 1, 2006, shifting the previous cut-off from 2011.

To support citizens without smartphones, the government scrapped SMS charges for all beneficiaries. The National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, further approved a mechanism allowing fuel token redemption via SMS at petrol stations in areas lacking internet connectivity. Dar directed that all operating fuel stations be integrated into the system while removing closed stations to ensure accurate coverage.

Under the program, owners of vehicles up to 800cc receive a Rs100 per litre discount on up to 30 litres of petrol monthly. Two- and three-wheeler users receive four tokens per month, each worth Rs500. While Minister Fatima reported 1.75 million citizens had joined the scheme, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary stated that 24 million citizens are currently benefiting from the initiative. Simultaneously, the government implemented austerity measures, reducing fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50%.