PM directs cancellation of petrol pump licences over failure to facilitate fuel subsidy beneficiaries

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to revoke petrol pump licences if operators do not serve people registered for the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Programme, Dawn reported on November 5. At a review meeting, he said easier sign-up and subsidy payments had expanded participation, and praised the scheme’s monitoring arrangements.

Officials said 15,519,282 people had registered, including 15.06 million motorcycle owners and 449,000 owners of vehicles up to 800cc. By November 4, the programme had issued 63,153,685 fuel tokens, of which 59,445,347 were redeemed, and paid out Rs28.6 billion. Eligible two- and three-wheeler owners receive Rs100 per litre for up to 20 litres monthly, while qualifying smaller-car owners can claim the same rate for up to 30 litres.