Govt Plans Subsidised Fuel Scheme for Bikes, Rickshaws After Price Hike

The federal government has planned a subsidised fuel scheme Rs23 billion petrol subsidy to support low-income citizens, particularly motorcycle and rickshaw drivers, following a sharp rise in fuel prices. for motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers to cushion the impact of a massive hike in oil prices, following a similar move by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

“The government is working on a package to provide relief to (owners of) motorcycles and rickshaws,” said newly appointed petroleum secretary, Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, while testifying before the Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum on Monday.

Current domestic reserves are limited, prompting discussions on importing oil from Russia. Around 30 million two- and three-wheeler users are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Fuel availability

Meanwhile, a petrol monitoring committee led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb noted the country’s fuel availability for March was fully secured, while coverage was available up to mid-April based on current cargo planning and supply arrangements. Efforts were underway to extend coverage further towards the end of April, the ministerial committee noted.

Impact of Fuel Price Hike

The recent surge in petrol prices reportedly increased by around Rs55 per litre has increase significantly raised transportation costs nationwide.Motorcycles are the most widely used mode of transport in Pakistan, particularly among workers, students, and delivery riders. Even a small increase in fuel prices directly affects household budgets, making daily travel more expensive.next some days petrol price expected increase 30 per liter big affect for lifestyle.

Inclusion of Rickshaw Drivers

The proposed national level scheme is also expected to include rickshaw drivers, who are among the most affected by fuel price hikes. Many depend on daily earnings, and increased fuel costs directly reduce their income,household budget directly affect our life style.Experts suggest that including rickshaws in the subsidy program could help stabilise urban transport fares and prevent further inflation in commuting costs.

Compares to Other Mobility Support Schemes

The KP relief is a fuel subsidy, not a vehicle-purchase incentive. That makes it different from the federal government’s recently launched Prime Minister’s Electric Bike and Rickshaw Scheme 2026, which focuses on subsidising EV adoption rather than offsetting petrol costs.

Economic and Social Impact

If implemented effectively, the subsidy scheme could:

Provide immediate financial relief to millions of commuters
Help control rising transport fares
Support small-scale transport workers and daily wage earners
Reduce inflationary pressure on urban economies

However, economists also caution that the government will need to ensure transparency and proper targeting to avoid misuse of funds.

Conclusion

The proposed subsidised fuel scheme for bikes and rickshaws reflects the government’s effort to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on vulnerable segments of society. While still under consideration, such targeted relief measures could play a key role in stabilising daily transportation costs and supporting millions of Pakistanis struggling with inflation.

Govt Plans Subsidised Fuel Scheme for Bikes, Rickshaws After Price Hike

ByAsma