Sindh launches online portal for Rs2,000 monthly fuel subsidy for bikers

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday launched an online verification and registration system enabling motorcycle owners to confirm ownership and apply digitally for a targeted fuel subsidy of Rs2,000 per month.

Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister House, Mr Shah said applicants would need to enter their computerised national identity card (CNIC) and bank account details on the portal, taxportal.excise.gos.pk, after which they would receive an automated confirmation. He was accompanied by Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.

The chief minister said only motorcycles registered in the owner’s own name would qualify for the subsidy. Under the programme, each registered motorcycle owner will receive Rs2,000 every month, which he said was equal to subsidising about 20 litres of fuel.

Mr Shah said account holders at Sindh Bank would receive the subsidy within 24 hours, while those using other banks would get the amount in their accounts within three days. He added that a dedicated helpline, 021-111-374-634, had been set up to assist applicants.

He said the initiative would support financial inclusion and encourage people to open bank accounts so they could receive direct transfers. According to the chief minister, the move is part of a wider targeted subsidy framework intended to provide direct financial assistance to those most in need while maintaining economic stability and transparency.

Subsidy allocations and registration measures

Mr Shah said the targeted subsidy framework included several components. “For the bike subsidy, Rs13.4 billion is allocated, transport subsidy, which will be coordinated with the federal government, is set at Rs14.3bn per month,” he added.

He also said the provincial government had removed the Rs500 motorcycle transfer fee to encourage owners to correct registration records. “Excise offices across Sindh will remain open from 8:00 am to midnight, including weekends, for 15 days to expedite registrations,” he added.

The chief minister said around 1,500 motorcycles had already been transferred to their rightful owners.

Transport fares and other relief measures

Recalling the provincial government’s understanding with transporters, Mr Shah said fares would remain unchanged despite higher fuel costs, with the government providing subsidies to support the arrangement. “As a result, fares will remain at Feb 28, 2026, levels, benefiting millions of commuters,” he added.

He said the government was subsidising about 11,000 private buses and 470 government-run buses, with fare stabilisation support of Rs3-4 billion. “Any increase in fare will face strict action,” he warned.

The chief minister also said a Rs3 billion farmer subsidy programme would begin this week to provide financial assistance to small growers. He added that the provincial government was working on mechanisms to extend direct relief to consumers, particularly for essential commodities such as flour and other food items.

Responding to a question, Mr Shah said consultations had been held with transporters and 25 traders’ associations, most of whom had backed the government’s relief measures and agreed to cooperate. “Except for two associations, all have agreed to call off protests against the increase in petrol prices,” he said, adding that he hoped the remaining associations would also voluntarily end their protests in view of the prevailing regional situation.