Pakistan to launch app-based fuel subsidy system

The Pakistan government has decided to introduce a mobile application-based subsidy system to manage fuel distribution amid an ongoing energy crisis, officials said on Friday.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication Pakistan has invited expressions of interest for the procurement of 24,000 mobile phones to support the initiative. The National Information Technology Board will determine pricing for the devices.

Officials said oil marketing companies will purchase the mobile phones and distribute them to fuel stations nationwide. A total of 24,000 devices will be deployed across approximately 12,000 petrol pumps, with two designated fuel nozzles at each station reserved for subsidized petrol.

The subsidy will primarily target two- and three-wheelers, which will receive discounted fuel through the mobile application. The IT ministry has already developed the app, which is currently in its final testing phase.

Under the proposed policy, motorcycles may be eligible for up to 20 liters of subsidized petrol per month. However, a final decision has yet to be made about extending the subsidy to vehicles up to 800cc engine capacity.

The system will issue digital vouchers through the mobile app, ensuring controlled distribution. Consumers will not be allowed to exceed their allocated fuel quota.

Officials said the government is considering multiple policy options to address the energy crisis and has also prepared contingency plans in case conditions worsen due to regional conflict.

Meanwhile, authorities have initiated nationwide monitoring of petrol pumps to ensure transparency and compliance as the country braces for potential fuel supply challenges.