Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a series of subsidies aimed at controlling the prices of essential goods following the recent hike in fuel prices.

Presiding over a meeting held to review progress on the implementation of subsidies announced on petroleum products, the prime minister stated that trucks would receive a monthly subsidy of Rs70,000 to reduce transportation costs.

Additionally, passenger buses would receive Rs100,000, mini-buses and wagons would get Rs40,000, while cargo vehicles would be granted Rs80,000 per month, and delivery vans Rs 35,000 per month.

The meeting reviewed the progress of subsidy distribution, along with a briefing on the country’s fuel reserves and consumption.

To ensure transparency, these subsidies will be provided through digital wallets, the meeting was informed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that the government would not allow transporters to raise fares, and action would be taken against those who attempt to do so.

Relief packages

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that the Balochistan government has contributed the agreed-upon amount for the national relief package.

He expressed hope that other provinces would soon follow suit and contribute their share.

He also revealed that in the past three weeks, the government had provided a public relief package worth Rs129 billion to assist the citizens in the current challenging times.

The prime minister stated that the reduction in petrol levy, by Rs80 per litre, was an immediate measure to offer relief to the public.

He vowed that during such difficult times, the government would stand by the people and ensure that they were not left to fend for themselves.

Railways and transport measures

The prime minister informed the meeting that Pakistan Railways had provided a subsidy of Rs6 billion, ensuring that there would be no increase in passenger train or cargo freight fares.

Additionally, the government had reversed the 25% quarterly increase in toll tax to further ease the financial burden on the public.

Fuel reserves and govt actions

The prime minister was briefed that adequate fuel reserves were available to meet the country’s needs.

It was also informed that relief payments to public transport and cargo vehicle owners and drivers had already started through digital wallets.