Sindh govt announces Rs 2,000 monthly subsidy for motorcyclists amid rising petrol prices

KARACHI:

The Sindh and Punjab governments announced relief measures on Friday, a day after the government further increased petrol prices by Rs 137 per liter to a record level of Rs 458.4. The new oil price is also much higher than the increase in the international market as Prime Minister Shehbaz decided to increase the oil tax to a record Rs 160.61 per liter of petrol.

It was the second major hike in fuel prices in less than a month after Chief Minister Shehbaz increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs 55 per liter last month. The accumulated increase in the price of gasoline in one month stands at 63%, and that of high-speed diesel at 75%.

Sindh announces monthly allowance for motorcyclists

In response to rising petrol prices and the ongoing energy crisis, the Sindh government has announced a monthly subsidy of Rs 2,000 for registered motorcyclists across the province. Public transport and freight operators will also receive monthly grants ranging between Rs 70,000 and Rs 100,000.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Friday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the subsidy is aimed at easing the burden of daily commuters as petrol would not be available at lower prices at filling stations. He added that the application process would be operational in two to three days and that subsidies would be linked to national identity cards and registered motorcycles.

The CM further stated that motorcycle transfers will now be free and owners will be able to register their vehicles in their names. “A subsidy of Rs 100 per liter will be given and the first transfers will be completed within 15 days. Each registered motorcyclist will receive Rs 2,000 directly,” he added.

Shah advised citizens to check the registration of their motorcycles on the Excise Department website and said the subsidy is part of a specific relief programme. He also highlighted measures to support small farmers, including a minimum wheat price of Rs 3,500 per maund and a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per acre for farmers with up to 2 million acres, to offset losses caused by rising diesel prices. Payments to farmers will begin on April 6.

CM Murad also said the province would independently administer the program for a month-long trial period, following discussions on a third proposal. He clarified that the final plan consists of four components, two administered by the provinces and one by the federal government, but funding will be provided to the provinces.

He highlighted that Sindh has 6.7 million registered motorcycles, many of which are not registered in the name of the actual owner. “We have decided that Rs 100 per motorcyclist will be provided as subsidy,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted coordination with the federal government, noting that provincial leaders participated in a historic meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss energy imports and subsidy measures. He explained that although subsidies were initially widely expanded, IMF guidance advised targeting relief to those most affected by rising fuel costs.

Shah added that lengthy deliberations led to the decision to provide targeted subsidies to motorcyclists, small farmers and transport operators to alleviate the economic impact of rising oil prices.

Punjab and Islamabad announce free public transport

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that public transport in all cities of the province will be free.

According to the decision, passengers will not be required to purchase tickets on services including the Orange Line Train, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus and Green Electro Bus.

In addition, the prime minister announced direct financial support to the agricultural sector. Farmers will receive a subsidy of Rs 100 per liter of diesel per acre, while motorcyclists will also benefit from a subsidy of Rs 100 per 20 liters of fuel for each registered bike owner.

CM Punjab praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for maintaining supply and prices of petroleum products for a month despite global pressures, and said, “By providing billions of rupees in relief, the prime minister has made a sincere effort to protect the public from hardship.”

Furthermore, public transport in the capital will also be free for the next 30 days, as per the Prime Minister’s directives, Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi wrote in the X post.

According to the minister, the initiative will come into force from Saturday (tomorrow) and aims to provide relief to the general population amid increasing economic pressures.

He added that the Ministry of Home Affairs will bear the cost of the plan, which is estimated at Rs 350 million.