PM urges provinces to release funds for fuel subsidy rollout amid energy crisis

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged provincial governments to release their allocated funds for the targeted fuel subsidy programme to support motorcyclists and public and goods transport amid the ongoing energy crisis.

The government recently introduced targeted subsidies, replacing blanket relief, with provinces taking the lead in administering subsidised fuel quotas.

Under the arrangement, provinces are expected to contribute around Rs200 billion over three months based on their National Finance Commission shares, including approximately Rs100 billion from Punjab, Rs51–52 billion from Sindh, Rs15 billion from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rs8–9 billion from Balochistan.

During a meeting on austerity measures, the prime minister noted that Balochistan had already released its share and called on other provinces to follow.

Officials said the disbursement of subsidies to motorcycle users and transport operators has begun through digital wallets, with the rollout initiated ahead of schedule over the weekend.

The federal government has received data from provinces on the number of buses, trucks and goods vehicles to support implementation of the scheme.

The meeting also reviewed progress on subsidy distribution, fuel reserves and consumption levels, with officials stating that adequate supplies are available across the country.

The prime minister said the government will continue measures to provide relief and manage the impact of rising energy costs.