Sindh launches People's Motorcycle Fuel Subsidy Programme

Applications to be submitted through Excise Department’s online portal; mobile application to be operational in 3 days

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A worker fills a car's tank at a fuel station amid concerns about rising fuel prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters (file)

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KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday inaugurated the People's Motorcycle Fuel Subsidy Programme, demonstrating the registration process under which registered motorcycle owners will receive a subsidy of Rs57 per 20 litres of fuel. The provincial government will cover an additional Rs100 per litre.

In response to surging petrol prices and the ongoing energy crisis, the Sindh government announced on Friday a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000 for registered motorcyclists across the province. Public transport and goods transport operators will also receive monthly subsidies ranging from Rs70,000 to Rs100,000.

During the demonstration for journalists, CM Shah highlighted that the scheme has officially started. “I am registering the first motorcycle to show the process,” he said. He also confirmed that the Rs500 transfer fee has been abolished.

To qualify for the subsidy, residents must have motorcycles registered in their name. Applications can be submitted through the Excise Department’s online portal, while a mobile application will become operational within three days. A guidance video explaining the registration process is also available on the Excise Department website.

Excise offices across Sindh will remain open until midnight, including on weekends, to ensure accessibility. Subsidy payments will be transferred directly into applicants’ bank accounts, and IBAN numbers must be provided during registration. CM Shah explained that once all required information is submitted, “a message and a tracking ID number will be received” to help applicants monitor the status of their subsidy.

To ensure accurate payments, he added, “Emails will be sent to Sindh Bank every three hours” to process the payments. He also warned that “payments will be halted if accurate information is not provided.” Ownership verification will include checking that the bank account matches the registered motorcycle. Accounts held with Sindh Bank will be confirmed within 24 hours, while verification and payment for accounts in other banks may take up to three days. A dedicated toll-free helpline has been established to assist applicants and ensure data accuracy throughout the registration process.

The programme comes after a significant surge in fuel prices. On Thursday, petrol prices were increased by Rs137 per litre to a record Rs458.4, marking the second major increase in less than a month. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Friday night an Rs80 per litre reduction in the petroleum levy on petrol. The cumulative increase in petrol prices within a month now stands at 63%, while high-speed diesel has risen by 75%.

CM Shah emphasised that the initiative aims to provide financial relief to motorcycle owners amid rising fuel costs, while ensuring transparency and efficient disbursement of subsidies.