Web Desk: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government’s fuel subsidy programme will continue until the end of December 2026, saying approximately 75 million people have benefited from the initiative so far.
The announcement came during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, where he briefed ministers on the country’s economic situation, public relief measures, regional diplomacy and security developments.
Addressing the cabinet, Shehbaz Sharif said rising international oil prices would have forced the government to increase petrol prices by Rs 15 per litre.
However, he said the government avoided passing the additional burden on to consumers by securing a share of windfall profits from oil refineries.
Consequently, the move helped prevent an increase in petrol prices and provided relief to consumers amid rising global fuel costs.
The prime minister announced that the fuel subsidy programme would remain in place until December 31, 2026.
He said between 12 million and 12.5 million families, representing approximately 75 million people, had benefited from the programme so far.
According to the prime minister, the government has spent Rs 28 billion on providing fuel subsidies to eligible beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif warned that the government would take strict action against petrol pumps found involved in irregularities or misuse of the fuel subsidy programme.
He said authorities would shut down petrol pumps found violating the programme’s rules and impose heavy fines on those responsible.
The prime minister stressed the need to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds allocated for providing relief to citizens.
