The government of Pakistan has introduced a ‘Petrol Subsidy App’ and has decided to purchase 24,000 mobile phones to initiate the process.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has initiated a process to purchase 24,000 smartphones.
The National Information Technology Board (NITB) has invited expressions of interest from local manufacturers and assemblers registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
According to the requirements, 12,000 devices must be delivered within hours of a purchase order, while the remaining units are to be supplied within six days.
The devices will come pre-installed with government applications and will be used by fuel station operators to run the system.
Petrol subsidy app
The federal and provincial governments have agreed to roll out a mobile application-based system to provide subsidised fuel to low-income users, particularly those using two- and three-wheelers.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Officials said the aim is to ensure targeted relief while reducing misuse of public funds.
The Ministry of Finance said both sides would work together to finalise the framework using technology, with a focus on transparency and coordination.
Under the proposed app, eligible users will receive digital fuel vouchers through a mobile app.
These will be linked to their vehicle registration and national identity card.
At petrol stations, retailers will verify the vouchers through a separate app before supplying fuel.
If a user exceeds their quota, the system will automatically limit the amount.
Officials said the plan is designed to improve subsidy targeting and encourage more responsible fuel use.
Financial considerations
Officials said the government has limited fiscal space, with most capacity linked to revenues from the petroleum levy.
Any subsidy will therefore be carefully designed to avoid pressure on the broader economy.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said oil marketing companies would bear the cost of purchasing and distributing the devices, adding that no public funds would be used for this purpose.
The mobile application has already been developed and is in the final stages of testing.
Authorities say training materials and support systems will be provided to retailers, while a monitoring mechanism will be set up to handle complaints and ensure smooth implementation.
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