Pakistan Expands PM Fuel Relief Scheme: How Old Vehicles Get Subsidized Petrol Now

Rising global oil prices and economic pressures have made everyday travel expensive for families and small business owners in Pakistan. To protect low-income citizens from these sudden price hikes, the federal government launched the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced major updates to make the scheme easier to access. The government removed strict old rules, expanded eligibility to 20-year-old vehicles, made registration completely free, and made it simpler to claim weekly discounts.

This complete guide breaks down the updated rules, who can apply, how to register, and how to stay safe from online fraud.

What Is the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme?

The Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme is a targeted financial assistance program created by the federal government of Pakistan. Instead of offering a blanket subsidy that benefits everyone equally, this program gives direct price relief to those who need it most—specifically bike riders, rickshaw drivers, delivery workers, and small car owners.

Under the core relief program:

• Motorcycles, Rickshaws, and Qingqi Three-Wheelers: Receive a Rs. 100 per litre discount on up to 20 litres of petrol every month (up to Rs. 2,000 monthly benefit).

• Small Cars (Up to 800cc): Receive a Rs. 100 per litre discount on up to 30 litres of petrol every month (up to Rs. 3,000 monthly benefit).
  
  

Key Updates and New Changes to the Scheme

Based on public feedback, the government relaxed several rules so millions of additional citizens can benefit immediately:

1. 20-Year-Old Vehicles Now Eligible
Previously, only vehicles registered on or after January 1, 2011, could sign up. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to include older vehicles, meaning all motorcycles, rickshaws, and Qingqis registered on or after January 1, 2006, are now fully eligible.

2. Flexible Small Refills (Weekly Rs. 500 Discount)
Earlier rules required buying 5 litres at once to use a token. Recognizing that daily wage workers and bike riders often buy fuel in smaller amounts, the government removed the 5-litre minimum limit. Motorists purchasing less than 5 litres can now use 1 token per week for a direct Rs. 500 subsidy, with 4 tokens issued every month.

3. Free SMS Registration
Sending registration text messages to the official government system was made 100% free of charge. Citizens do not need any mobile balance to apply.

4. Fast Petrol Pump Reimbursements
To ensure petrol stations do not face cash flow problems, the State Bank of Pakistan clears reimbursement claims submitted by petrol dealers within 24 to 48 hours. Over Rs. 12.2 million has already been paid directly to hundreds of participating petrol stations across the country.

Massive Public Response in Numbers

The relief initiative has seen massive public participation across Pakistan since its rollout:

• Total Registrations: Over 1.75 million people registered in the first few days.

• Main Beneficiaries: Two-wheelers and three-wheelers (motorcycles, rickshaws, and Qingqis) make up 91.66% of all total registrations.

• Single-Day Record: A record-breaking 511,960 citizens signed up on a single day.

• Beneficiaries Served: Over 655,000 people have successfully received subsidized petrol at fuel stations.
  
  

How to Register and Claim Your Subsidized Petrol

The government built a digital system so citizens can register easily using a standard mobile phone.

[Send Free SMS to 9771] ➔ [Receive SMS Confirmation] ➔ [Send "TOK" to 9771 for Token] ➔ [Show Token at Petrol Station]

Step 1: Free Registration via SMS

1. Open your phone's SMS app.

2. Type: REG CNIC VehicleNumber ProvinceFirstLetter RegistrationDate

   (Example: REG 3520112345671 LEA1234 L 15052018)

3. Send the text message to 9771 (This SMS is free).
   
   

Step 2: Generating Your Fuel Token

1. Before visiting a petrol pump, send the word TOK via SMS to 9771.

2. You will receive an official digital token number on your phone.
   
   

Step 3: Getting Your Subsidized Fuel

1. Drive to any participating petrol pump.

2. Show the digital token message to the pump operator.

3. The operator verifies the token using an official app and instantly gives you the Rs. 100 per litre discount.
   
   

Scam Warning: Protect Your Personal Information

IT Minister Shaza Fatima urged all citizens to be careful and protect their sensitive data while registering.

• Official Number Only: All legitimate messages and updates come strictly from 9771.

• No Money or Links: The government will never ask for fee payments, bank account details, PIN codes, or OTPs.

• Avoid Third Parties: Do not give your CNIC or registration papers to unknown individuals offering to sign you up for money.
  
  

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