Fuel dealers end deadlock as govt assures 48-hour reimbursement

Petroleum dealers have ended their deadlock with the government over the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme, according to Profit by Pakistan Today, after officials gave assurances on a 48-hour reimbursement process. The breakthrough came at a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and dealers' association representatives on Thursday, where the scheme's implementation mechanism was explained. The dealers have now agreed to support the package and have started implementing it.

Rs25 billion for the first month of the three-month allocation has already been moved to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for prompt payment to participating dealers. The SBP told the meeting that claims filed under the scheme will be cleared within 48 hours. Dealers were also taken through the operational steps, including how eligible consumers will receive relief, and their questions were answered.

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications outlined the digital system built for the scheme, and a dedicated control room has been set up to handle pump queries and complaints. Petrol pumps can call 9772 for assistance. The PPDA said the talks had resolved the impasse over the package and voiced hope that the agreed payment mechanism would address dealers' concerns. Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked dealers for their cooperation and called for close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure timely and transparent delivery.