PM extends fuel subsidy for motorcyclists and transporters by one month

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved a one-month extension in the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists as well as public and goods transport operators, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The PMO said the decision was taken to continue providing relief to economically vulnerable segments of society in the prevailing situation. It stated that the prime minister had decided to continue for another month the fuel subsidy that had been given last month to motorcyclists, public transport operators and goods transporters.

Alongside the extension, the prime minister directed transporters not to raise passenger fares or freight charges. The statement also said he issued instructions for effective monitoring of the relief measures.

According to the PMO, the premier said the government would continue its relief efforts and stressed that providing support to ordinary citizens remained the administration’s foremost priority.

"Providing relief to the common man remained the government’s top priority", stated the PMO.

The statement said the prime minister also asserted that the public would not be abandoned under any circumstances and expressed hope that the regional situation would improve soon, allowing fuel prices to stabilise.

The announcement comes as the government continues measures aimed at easing the burden of fuel costs on lower-income groups and transport-related sectors. The PMO statement, however, only specified that the latest decision extends the subsidy by one month and applies to motorcyclists, public transport and goods transport.

Directions on fares and monitoring

In addition to extending the subsidy, the prime minister’s instructions focused on preventing any increase in travel and freight fares. The PMO statement said he also called for effective oversight to ensure that the relief measures are implemented properly.

No further operational details were provided in the statement beyond the extension of the subsidy and the directives issued to transporters and relevant authorities.

The development was announced on Thursday through the Prime Minister’s Office, which described the move as part of the government’s ongoing effort to support vulnerable sections of the population during the current circumstances.