ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet has sanctioned a funding of 75 billion rupees for the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the scheme is designed to provide relief to lower-income groups affected by rising petroleum prices. Specifically, two and three-wheelers will receive a weekly relief of 500 rupees, equivalent to 5 liters at 100 rupees per liter. Cars with engine capacities up to 800cc are set to receive relief of 1,000 rupees every ten days, calculated on the basis of 30 liters per month at 100 rupees per liter. The scheme is restricted to non-commercial users, with relief limited to one vehicle per user or owner.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom will oversee the deployment and management of the Fuel Pass System, ensuring the digital management and transparent delivery of the relief. This approach aims to ensure that the benefits are effectively distributed to eligible consumers while maintaining transparency and accountability in its implementation.

In addition to the fuel relief scheme, the ECC considered several other proposals. It approved the export of 200,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar, following recommendations from the Steering Committee on Sugar, which included safeguards to maintain price stability in the local market.

The committee also reviewed a proposal for the allocation of three billion rupees for the purchase of 15 bullet-proof sedan vehicles. These vehicles are intended for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council Summit, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad next September. The ECC underscored the importance of the event and the necessity of ensuring secure and appropriate transportation for Heads of State, reflecting on the high standards observed during the recent SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan.