PM Shehbaz announces 'relief scheme' for bikes, autos, 800cc vehicles amid rising fuel prices

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which have resulted in disruption of major oil supply routes, have caused fuel prices to rise in the past two months. In addition to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, trade via Bab al-Mandab — which has become a vital route for Saudi oil exports in recent months — is also facing a rising threat from Houthi rebels. A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Sunday said the premier took “immediate notice of the recent tensions in the Middle East and the resulting surge in global oil prices, which is placing an increased burden on the public”.

“The government is fully aware of the burden being placed on the public due to the increase in oil prices. In this hour of difficulty, we will not leave the public alone,” he was quoted as saying in the statement. The PMO announced that a “special relief scheme” was being initiated for users of motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqis and vehicles up to 800cc, under which they will “receive a relief of Rs100 per litre”. The statement explained that those having two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles will get a relief of Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres, while those owning small vehicles of up to 800cc will get a relief of Rs100 per litre for a monthly quota of 30 litres. The scheme will take effect in Islamabad from the night between Monday and Tuesday (12am on September 15) while in the rest of the country, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the relief will be provided from the night between Wednesday and Thursday (12am on September 17). The registration…