Punjab seeks Rs24 billion to fund fuel subsidy for motorcyclists

LAHORE: The Punjab government has requested Rs24 billion from the finance department to support a fuel subsidy programme for motorcyclists as part of relief measures introduced in response to higher petroleum prices.

Officials said a summary seeking approval of the funds has already been sent. After approval, the finance department will release the amount for implementation of the scheme, which is expected to cover millions of people across the province.

According to officials, nearly 12.5 million motorcyclists may qualify for monthly assistance of Rs2,000 under the plan, which includes a petrol subsidy of Rs100 per litre. Excise department officials said more than eight million bikers have already been registered under the scheme. The subsidy is expected to be launched after the ongoing registration exercise is completed.

Registration-linked relief measures

The programme follows other relief steps announced earlier this month, including a temporary exemption from charges related to motorbike transfer and registration. The waiver remains in effect from April 6 to May 5 and applies to transfer fees, additional registration mark charges and smart card fees.

Officials said the exemption is intended to encourage owners to transfer motorcycles into valid names, which is one of the requirements for eligibility under the subsidy plan. They estimated that the waiver would provide around Rs200 million in relief, with the department bearing the cost.

Free public transport and rising demand

The provincial government has also introduced free public transport across Punjab in response to rising fuel prices. Under directions issued by the chief minister, passengers are being allowed to travel without paying fares on the Orange Line Metro Train, Metro Bus services, Speedo buses and electric bus fleets.

The measure took effect immediately and led to a sharp rise in passenger numbers, especially in Lahore, where large crowds were seen at transit stations. Authorities deployed additional staff to regulate passenger movement and maintain security as ridership increased.

Officials of the Punjab Mass Transit Authority estimated that about 900,000 passengers are benefiting from the free travel facility each day. This includes more than 300,000 commuters on the Orange Line and around 140,000 Metro Bus passengers, in addition to a large number of users on feeder and electric bus routes.

Pressure on fares and transport capacity

The relief measures are being implemented at a time when intercity transport fares have increased on several major routes, including Lahore to Islamabad and Faisalabad. Passengers have voiced concern over what they described as uneven enforcement of pricing controls.

Commuters said the relief appeared inconsistent because public transport had been made free while private operators were still charging higher fares. Transporters, meanwhile, cited increased fuel costs and reduced passenger affordability, and warned that continued pressure could force them to cut routes.

At the same time, the provincial government is considering an expansion in transport capacity through leased buses operated by private companies. The initial proposal involves up to 1,000 non-air-conditioned buses to meet rising demand.

Under the proposed arrangement, operators would be compensated on a per-kilometre basis, with daily operating costs exceeding Rs61,000 for each bus. The total daily cost for the fleet could go beyond Rs61 million, while monthly expenditure is projected to near Rs1.85 billion.

The measures together reflect a broader provincial effort to ease the impact of rising fuel prices through targeted subsidies, fee waivers and support for public transport while managing fiscal pressures.