ISLAMABAD:
The government has decided to procure around 24,000 mobile phones as part of a nationwide rollout of an app-based digital fuel subsidy system, in an important step to manage the ongoing energy crisis through targeted aid and stricter monitoring.
The devices, which will be deployed at gasoline pumps across the country, will form the backbone of a new system designed to regulate the distribution of subsidized gasoline through a mobile application.
According to the plan, the IT Ministry will oversee the initiative, while the National IT Board will determine the price of mobile phones. Oil marketing companies will purchase the devices and supply them to gasoline pumps; Around 12,000 pumps are expected to be equipped with two mobile phones each.
The system aims to streamline and digitalize the distribution of subsidized fuel by allocating two dedicated nozzles at each gas pump for subsidized gasoline. Through the mobile app, consumers, particularly motorcyclists and three-wheeler owners, will be able to access subsidized fuel through digital vouchers or QR codes issued through the app.
Sources said the mobile application has already been developed and is in the final stages of testing.
Under the proposed framework, eligible users will receive a fixed monthly quota of subsidized gasoline, with motorcycles expected to be allocated between 20 and 30 liters per month.
Consumers will not be allowed to exceed their allocated quota, ensuring controlled and directed distribution.
A final decision on expanding the facility to vehicles up to 800 cc has not yet been made. However, the government is considering expanding the scheme to include additional selected categories of users under a specific subsidy model.
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to address the energy crisis, with multiple policy options currently under consideration. In the event of possible emergency situations, alternative contingency plans have also been prepared.
In parallel with the launch, authorities have begun a monitoring process at gasoline pumps throughout the country to guarantee the transparency and efficiency of the system.
The use of digital verification through QR codes is expected to minimize misuse and improve accountability in fuel distribution.
Sources added that an official announcement regarding the launch of the QR code-based subsidized gasoline system is expected soon.
