Punjab, Sindh roll out fuel and public transport relief amid soaring prices

Punjab and Sindh governments announced extensive relief packages on Friday to counter rising petroleum prices, including free urban transit, cash subsidies for motorcyclists, and diesel support for farmers.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared all major city transit—including Orange Line, Metro Bus, Speedo Bus, and Green Electro Bus—free of charge. Diesel subsidies of Rs100 per litre will be provided to cultivators, and registered motorcyclists will receive relief on a 20-litre petrol quota. Islamabad public transport will operate free for 30 days, with Rs350 million funded by the Interior Ministry.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a direct monthly cash subsidy of Rs2,000 for 6.7 million registered motorcyclists, payable via a mobile app between April 15 and 20. Small farmers owning 1–25 acres will receive Rs1,500 per acre for diesel use in wheat threshing.

Transporters in Sindh will receive Rs100,000 per passenger bus, Rs70,000 per two-axle truck, and Rs80,000 per heavy goods vehicle. City buses will get an additional Rs140,000 to avoid fare hikes. Pakistan Railways fares remain frozen under federal support.

The move follows petrol and diesel hikes to Rs458.41 and Rs520.35 per litre, up Rs137.24 and Rs184.49, respectively, from March prices. Officials said measures target the poorest segments while controlling fiscal burden, in line with IMF guidance, and are coordinated with the federal government to mitigate inflationary pressures.