Pakistan Economic Crisis: Cash-strapped Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced that his government would provide subsidized petrol to low-income people to offset the impact of rising inflation.
The subsidy of Rs 50 per liter was part of the relief package and would be available to those who own motorcycles, rickshaws, 800 cc cars and other small vehicles, Sharif said at a meeting held to review the relief package for vulnerable groups. Said.
“A program to help people will be implemented soon and a comprehensive strategy is being worked out on this issue,” he said. He said that the government is committed to help the poor despite economic difficulties.
He said that motorcycles, rickshaws and small cars are mainly used by low-income people and the subsidy will provide relief to the needy.
Rs 120 billion cross-subsidy scheme
Earlier, The Express Tribune newspaper had reported that the government is working on a Rs 120 billion cross-subsidy scheme to provide relief to the poor who have motorbikes but cannot afford the exorbitant fuel.
It said the government’s plans include charging an additional Rs 15 per liter from the rich who own expensive cars to meet the cost of fuel subsidy for the poor.
The newspaper quoted sources as saying that Sharif had tasked officials to develop a mechanism to provide subsidized petrol to poor motorcycle owners.
One liter of petrol is being sold for around Rs 273, which is a huge burden for people using motorbikes or small vehicles for travel. Government’s measures will provide a lot of relief to such people.
The government has already announced to give free flour to the needy in the holy month of Ramzan starting from March 23.
(With inputs from PTI)
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