ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): The federal government has formally ended its fuel subsidy programme after determining that the recent decline in international oil prices has already provided substantial relief to consumers across the country.
The decision was taken during the seventh meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidies, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
The committee reviewed the subsidy initiative that was launched to support motorcyclists, small-scale farmers, public transport operators and goods transport services. Officials informed participants that falling global crude oil prices had translated into lower domestic fuel prices, reducing the need for additional government support.
Following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the committee unanimously agreed to discontinue the programme.
During the meeting, Dar directed relevant institutions to improve data collection and delivery systems to ensure future welfare schemes are implemented more effectively and reach intended beneficiaries without delays.
The committee also called for a detailed assessment of the programme, including its achievements and shortcomings, to help design more efficient public support initiatives in the future.
Senior government officials, including Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the secretaries of petroleum and information technology, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and representatives from provincial governments, participated in the meeting. Delegates from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were also present.
Officials said the government’s focus would now shift towards strengthening targeted welfare mechanisms while ensuring that the benefits of lower energy prices continue to support economic activity and ease financial pressure on consumers.
