Federal Minister Musadik Malik has said the fuel relief scheme is still not enough to ease the pressure caused by rising petrol prices. He said ordinary people are facing serious difficulties because of higher fuel costs. The government, he added, understands the challenges being faced by the public.
Speaking at a press conference, Musadik Malik said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s fuel relief scheme would provide assistance to lower-income citizens. He said the government had taken measures to reduce the impact of higher petrol prices and provide relief to people affected by the increase.
The federal minister said the petroleum levy includes Rs80, while the carbon levy stands at Rs5. He added that the relief being provided under the scheme amounts to Rs100. According to Malik, the relief is therefore higher than the amount collected through these charges.
Musadik Malik said the government still believes that the relief currently being offered is insufficient. However, he explained that the government had provided support up to the level that the national economy could bear. He said further measures would depend on the country’s economic capacity.
The minister also linked the fuel pressure to the impact of a war that, according to him, has no direct connection with Pakistan. He said Pakistan is nevertheless being affected by the consequences of the conflict. Higher fuel costs have added to the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
Musadik Malik said the fuel relief scheme has already been launched in Islamabad. The government plans to extend the programme to other parts of the country in the coming days. The nationwide rollout is expected to make the relief available to eligible people beyond the federal capital.
The fuel relief scheme comes as the government faces growing pressure to reduce the impact of higher petrol prices on households. Malik said the authorities recognise the difficulties faced by citizens and have provided relief within the limits of the economy. He also expressed hope that an end to the war would bring relief to people around the world.
