PM: Subsidy delivery for public, freight transport operators begins via digital wallets

• Premier Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to ensure timely support for economically vulnerable groups

• Terms relief to public during challenging times top priority, saying funds saved through austerity will be spent on people

• Reviews the country’s petroleum reserves, assess measures taken to provide relief during ongoing fuel crisis

 LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced that the disbursement of relief funds to public transport operators and freight vehicle owners has begun through digital wallets, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensure timely support for economically vulnerable groups, state media reported.

Premier Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to review the country’s petroleum reserves and assess measures taken by the government to provide relief during the ongoing fuel crisis, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a post on X.

لاہور: 4 اپریل 2026.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے خطے میں حالیہ کشیدگی کے دوران ملک میں پیٹرولیم مصنوعات کے ذخائر اور حکومت کی جانب سے عوامی ریلیف کے اقدامات پر جائزہ اجلاس کی صدارت کی.

اجلاس میں گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ ریلیف کی رقم پبلک ٹرانسپورٹ اور مال بردار… pic.twitter.com/C2XfCc0GaC

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 4, 2026

“The disbursement of relief funds to individuals operating public transport and freight vehicles has begun through digital wallets,” the PMO quoted the prime minister as saying.

“Subsidies are now being digitally transferred for public transport buses and wagons, as well as goods transport trucks and freight vehicles under an efficient and transparent system,” he added.

The premier emphasised that the government is working to ensure relief reaches economically vulnerable groups as quickly as possible. “We will not abandon our people during difficult times. Providing relief to the public during challenging circumstances is our top priority. The savings generated through government austerity measures will be spent on the people,” he said.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the implementation and progress of relief measures in light of the recent surge in petroleum prices, the PMO said. Officials confirmed that adequate reserves of petroleum products were available to meet national requirements and provided updates on the overall progress of relief initiatives.

The development comes amid sharp increases in fuel prices due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The government initially raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre on March 6 and introduced unprecedented austerity measures on March 9 to address the crisis.

On three separate occasions, PM Shehbaz said he had rejected recommendations to further increase fuel prices despite global market pressures. However, on Thursday, the government implemented a 43 per cent increase in petrol prices and a 55 per cent hike in high-speed diesel (HSD), citing rising international oil costs.

Alongside the price hike, targeted relief measures were announced: diesel-dependent inter-city and goods transport vehicles will receive a Rs100 per litre subsidy, with prices reviewed monthly. Trucks carrying 80–85 per cent of essential food items will get direct support of Rs70,000 per month, large transport vehicles Rs80,000 per month, and inter-city public service vehicles Rs100,000 per month to help keep fares stable.

A day later, PM Shehbaz announced an Rs80 per litre cut in the petroleum levy, bringing petrol prices down to Rs378 per litre. In a late-night televised address, he also declared that all federal cabinet members would forgo their salaries for the next six months as part of austerity measures.