ISLAMABAD – Samuel Masih went to a petrol station in the capital hoping to benefit from the government’s fuel‑relief programme, but found that another vehicle was already linked to his national identity card, blocking his registration.
His case highlights a barrier that some applicants encounter as the government attempts to shield low‑income drivers from soaring fuel prices. Arab News visited ten filling stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and observed that while many motorists were already receiving the subsidy, others grappled with registration glitches, paperwork demands and confusion about how to fix the problems.
The subsidy was launched as fuel prices rose amid the US‑Iran conflict. Disruptions to Gulf energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – the narrow waterway linking the Gulf to the open ocean – have kept global fuel prices elevated, transferring higher costs to consumers in import‑dependent nations like Pakistan.
“When I arrived, I discovered that another vehicle was already tied to my CNIC,” Masih, a government employee, told Arab News. “I found out only after reaching the pump, so my registration could not be completed.”
Masih said he intended to go to the district administration for assistance, adding that he did not know the government offers an online‑app channel for lodging complaints.
The programme grants motorcycle and rickshaw owners a weekly relief token valued at Rs500 (about $1.80). Holders of qualifying small cars with engines up to 800 cc receive a discount of Rs100 ($0.36) per litre for up to 10 litres every ten days.
Following early feedback, the authorities adjusted the motorcycle and rickshaw component, dropping the rule that relief had to be claimed in five‑litre increments so that users purchasing smaller amounts could also benefit.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on 25 September that 5.91 million individuals had registered, 6.18 million tokens had been issued and 4.79 million had been redeemed. She noted that redemption figures count transactions, not necessarily distinct beneficiaries.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik estimated the programme’s monthly outlay at between Rs35 billion and Rs40 billion (approximately $125 million to $143 million).
REGISTERING FOR RELIEF
Applicants send their national identity card number and vehicle information via SMS to the government’s 9771 service. After registration, they receive a token that authorised petrol stations check before dispensing the subsidy.
Petrol‑station attendants interviewed by Arab News reported that participation is increasing, yet some users require help while others face errors that staff cannot elucidate.
“On average, about 180 to 190 visitors arrive each day,” said Waleed Abdullah, an Islamabad petrol‑station employee, noting that staff assist those who are unfamiliar with the procedure.
“For successful registrations, the token is issued instantly,” Abdullah said.
Nevertheless, many continued to encounter difficulties.
“Some users see messages such as ‘Registration Failed’ or ‘Province Code Error,’ and we are unsure of the underlying cause,” Abdullah explained.
Government employee Abrar Hussain said he tried repeatedly, even after verifying his vehicle details and the provincial code, but the registration still failed.
“I have tried many times, yet it keeps failing. I am told to check the vehicle number and province code, which I do repeatedly, but the problem persists,” he said.
The observations from the visited stations do not indicate the national scale of registration failures, and the Information Technology Ministry did not reply to Arab News’ inquiries about the issues or any planned remedial steps.
Officials have announced measures to improve the scheme, such as enabling petrol stations without internet access to redeem tokens via SMS and monitoring reimbursement payments to dealers.
Raja Waseem, vice‑chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, said the overall system is operating properly.
“Petrol pumps nationwide are integral to the process, helping low‑income commuters access the announced benefit. This is a worthwhile scheme that is functioning well,” he added.
Several motorists reported a smooth experience. Taxi driver Muhammad Mushtaq said he obtained a 10‑litre fuel allowance after sending his details by text message.
“In today’s economic climate, saving even 100 rupees makes a significant difference,” he noted.
Cushion maker Muhammad Mohsin heard about the programme from an acquaintance and visited a petrol station where staff assisted him with registration.
“I received a Rs500 discount valid for five days,” he said with a smile. “At the very least, it provides some relief,” he added.