The federal government has expanded the Prime Minister’s Petrol Relief Scheme by introducing SMS based fuel token redemption at petrol stations in areas with weak or no internet access.
The new facility will allow eligible citizens in remote areas to receive the petrol subsidy without relying on an internet connection.
SMS based fuel tokens approved
The decision was taken during a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The committee reviewed the scheme’s progress and approved an alternative SMS system for petrol stations that do not have reliable internet access.
Provincial governments and authorities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have been asked to identify petrol stations without internet connectivity. These stations will then be added to the SMS based system.
Most petrol stations across Pakistan are already connected to the fuel relief system. Beneficiaries are also successfully using their fuel tokens at participating stations.
Ishaq Dar directed authorities to ensure that all operational petrol stations are included in the scheme. Permanently closed stations that sell only diesel will be removed from the list.
Registration continues through 9771
People can continue to register for the petrol relief programme nationwide by sending an SMS to 9771. Eligible motorists can register their vehicles and request a fuel token before visiting a participating petrol station.
The government has also made SMS registration free of charge, making the process more accessible.
The scheme covers eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and cars with engines of up to 800cc.
Eligible motorists will receive a petrol subsidy of Rs100 per litre, subject to the applicable monthly limits and other conditions.
Payments and implementation reviewed
The committee also reviewed fuel token redemption, petrol station participation and payments under the programme.
The State Bank of Pakistan informed the committee that all payment claims received during the previous three days had been settled. Officials said claims received on each day were processed and paid on the same day.
The SMS based system is expected to make the scheme more accessible, particularly for motorists living in areas where reliable internet services are not available.
Steps to register for the Petrol Relief Scheme
- CNIC is valid and active. Vehicle must be registered in your name, according to the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
- Send an SMS to 9771 to begin registration. SMS registration is free of charge.
- Provide the required CNIC and vehicle registration details as instructed through the SMS system.
- Wait for the eligibility/registration confirmation through SMS.
- Once registered, request a fuel token through the SMS system before purchasing petrol.
- You will receive an SMS containing your fuel token number, vehicle number, permitted petrol quantity and validity date.
- Visit a participating petrol station and provide the token to redeem the subsidised petrol.
