The move came as part of a broader relief package unveiled amid intensifying economic pressure on Pakistan, as soaring global oil prices deepened fiscal strain and heightened concerns over the cost of living crisis
By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: The Sindh government opened registration for a Rs2,000 petrol subsidy aimed at motorcyclists, as authorities moved to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices driven by a worsening global energy crisis linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The measure formed part of a wider relief package announced at a time when Pakistan faced mounting economic strain from surging oil costs. The sharp rise in global energy prices, triggered by the intensifying US-Israel conflict involving Iran, had prompted governments to adopt emergency responses to manage consumption and shield vulnerable groups.
Both federal and provincial administrations introduced austerity measures alongside targeted subsidies, including cuts in fuel allocations for officials and direct support for key sectors such as transport and agriculture. Sindh’s chief minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, said the subsidy scheme had been designed to provide immediate financial relief to ordinary citizens, particularly daily commuters reliant on motorcycles.
Sindh’s chief minister confirmed that eligible applicants could register through the Excise Department’s online portal, with verification procedures streamlined to ensure swift processing. Ownership transfer requirements had also been relaxed, with the associated fee abolished to encourage compliance and widen access to the scheme. www.taxportal.excise.gos.pk/home/bike_subsidies
Under the program, each registered motorcyclist was to receive Rs2,000, covering the cost of 20 liters of fuel for April. The amount would be transferred directly into applicants’ bank accounts following successful registration and verification. Authorities said the initiative targeted the province’s estimated 6.7 million registered motorcycles, though only one subsidy would be issued per individual, even if multiple vehicles were registered in their name.
To facilitate the process, excise offices were instructed to remain open for extended hours, including weekends, while citizens were encouraged to ensure that both their motorcycles and bank accounts were registered in their own names. Officials also provided a helpline to assist applicants and enable them to track their registration status online.
Shah said the government had opted to deliver financial support directly to individuals rather than through intermediaries, arguing that targeted relief was more effective than broad-based subsidies. He added that discussions with transport operators had resulted in assurances that fares would not be increased, warning that any violations would be treated as an offence.
