Key Takeaways
- Petrol pumps in Pakistan faced issues on the first day of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme.
- Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima visited Rawalpindi to ensure the scheme’s implementation.
- Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association to address concerns.
The Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme, aimed at providing subsidised petrol at Rs100 per litre less, faced initial challenges on its first day of nationwide rollout.
Many petrol pumps declined to honour the digital app, citing a lack of necessary systems to provide the discounted fuel.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima visited various fuel stations in Rawalpindi to ensure that subsidised petrol was available to registered consumers.
The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) expressed concerns that its members were unaware of the subsidy disbursement mechanism and feared they would have to run from pillar to post to recover the amount.
To address these issues, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with officials from relevant ministries, held a meeting with the PPDA on Thursday.
The meeting was also informed that a dedicated control room had been established to assist petrol pumps and address their queries and complaints.
Petrol pumps can contact the control room at 9772 for assistance.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) briefed the participants on the reimbursement mechanism and assured them that claims submitted under the scheme would be processed within 48 hours, ensuring timely payments to participating petroleum dealers.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunications briefed the participants on the digital system developed to implement the scheme.
The PPDA chairman, Malik Khuda Baksh, assured that all members across the country would support the PM’s fuel relief scheme.
During the meeting, the petroleum minister appreciated the cooperation extended by petroleum dealers and emphasised the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders for the effective, transparent, and timely implementation of the relief initiative.
We assure you that all our members across the country will support the PM’s fuel relief scheme.
Malik Khuda Baksh, PPDA Chairman
