Pakistan Aims to Cushion Motorists from Oil Price Surge with Austerity Measures

Pakistan's government has introduced an austerity drive to conserve fuel supplies in light of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The country aims to cushion lower-income motorists from the surge in petroleum product prices.

The Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme provides subsidies to over 24 million people, with owners of motorcycles and three-wheelers receiving Rs100 ($0.36) per liter in relief on up to 20 liters of petrol a month, while car owners can claim the same discount on up to 30 liters.

The government has also reduced fuel provision by 50 percent for official vehicles for three months, exempting operational vehicles of the armed forces and essential services. A complete ban on foreign visits and travel has been imposed, with exceptions for unavoidable foreign visits in economy class.