ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister Musadik Malik has said the Iran-US conflict has pushed global petroleum prices higher, creating difficulties for ordinary Pakistanis, ARY News reported.
Speaking about the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme, Malik said the government was providing Rs100 per litre in relief, with motorcycle users receiving Rs2,000 on 20 litres of petrol.
He said the amount could cover basic food items such as pulses, bread, eggs and milk for a family, while for a delivery rider, it could cover a week’s expenses.
“Petrol that was cheaper earlier has now reached Rs375 per litre,” Malik said, highlighting the difficulties faced by delivery riders.
The minister said global oil prices had risen from around $55-$60 to more than $100 per barrel due to the conflict, with its impact being felt worldwide.
He added that Qingqi rickshaw users would also receive Rs2,000 in relief, which could help with their children’s school fees. Meanwhile, a person travelling to a factory in an 800cc car would receive Rs3,000 monthly relief.
Malik said the government would provide greater relief if resources allowed, adding that the relief scheme was intended to protect people from rising fuel costs.
The scheme has started in Islamabad and will be launched across the country within the next few days. The registration procedure has already been announced and is being publicised through television.
Regarding austerity measures, Malik said restaurants and wedding halls were closing at prescribed times and that the government would further reduce its expenditure. He added that no decision had yet been made on a “smart lockdown.”