PM directs inclusion of 20-year-old bikes, rickshaws in fuel relief scheme

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered that motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqi rickshaws aged 20 years be added to the Prime Minister Fuel Relief Scheme without delay, according to the Prime Minister's Office. The Express Tribune reported that the PMO's statement, issued on Friday, said the move follows special directives aimed at giving the public additional support under the scheme.

The PMO added that every motorbike and rickshaw registered after January 1, 2006 may enrol in the scheme. Operators of older vehicles, including those 20 years old, can also draw on the subsidy. The scheme was announced on September 13 and went nationwide at midnight on September 16. Eligible motorcycles, rickshaws, other small vehicles and cars up to 800cc receive a Rs100 per litre petrol subsidy.

Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik said the scheme is aimed mainly at low-income groups, such as delivery riders and rickshaw drivers, with motorcycle users eligible for relief on up to 20 litres a month, worth up to Rs2,000. He argued that the amount could ease a low-income rider's household budget, covering groceries, milk and eggs. The same report recalled that petrol touched a record Rs458.40 per litre in early April after a single Rs137 increase, and that the government announced daily price reviews on July 17.