KARACHI: The Sindh government has announced a petrol relief package to ease the burden of rising fuel prices, offering financial support to motorcyclists, farmers, and transport operators across the province. The initiative aims to provide short-term relief amid increasing inflation and fuel costs affecting millions of citizens.
Speaking in Karachi, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah outlined the eligibility criteria and application process for the subsidy. Under the scheme, Rs2,000 will be provided to each registered motorcycle owner. The amount will be directly transferred to the applicant’s bank account.
To qualify, motorcyclists must register through a mobile application developed by the Excise and Taxation Department. Applicants are required to enter their CNIC and bank account IBAN number. In cases where IBAN is unavailable, basic bank account details can be submitted. Authorities have emphasized that motorcycles must be registered in the applicant’s name. Those with unregistered ownership transfers must complete the process within 15 days to become eligible.
The government estimates that around 6.7 million motorcyclists in Sindh could benefit from this scheme. Payments are expected to be disbursed between April 15 and April 20.
In addition to bikers, the relief package also includes financial assistance for small farmers. Those cultivating less than 25 acres will receive Rs1,500 per acre to help manage increased agricultural costs. Approximately 336,000 farmers are expected to benefit from this support.
The transport sector is also included in the relief plan. Registered buses will receive Rs100,000 per month, while trucks will get between Rs70,000 and Rs80,000 depending on size. Passenger buses operating on intercity and intracity routes will receive an additional Rs140,000 subsidy. However, only tax-compliant and operational vehicles will qualify, and operators must not increase fares.
Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticized the fuel price hike, calling it a “petrol bomb” on the public and urging stronger measures for long-term relief.
The Sindh government has described the package as a temporary one-month initiative aimed at reducing financial pressure on citizens during the ongoing fuel price crisis.
