868 pumps providing subsidised petrol under PM fuel relief scheme?
Government releases payments to 868 pumps
The government has released Rs12.236 million to 868 petrol pumps participating in the PM fuel relief scheme. The payments cover subsidised fuel provided to eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and small cars.
According to sources, the latest payments cover fuel relief provided by participating petrol stations on September 16. The amount has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of eligible petrol pumps.
Petrol dealers receive payment assurance
The payments address concerns raised by petroleum dealers after the Rs100-per-litre fuel relief scheme was introduced. Dealers had earlier asked the government to explain how they would receive money for the discounted fuel sold to eligible consumers.
The government has released Rs25 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan for the first month of the scheme. The central bank has also assured petroleum dealers that their claims will be processed within 48 hours.
Control room to handle scheme complaints
A dedicated control room has been established to deal with complaints related to the fuel relief scheme. The facility is expected to help petrol pumps resolve payment and implementation problems more quickly.
Under the scheme, eligible motorcycles, three-wheeler rickshaws and cars with engines up to 800cc receive Rs100 per litre in fuel relief. The benefit is subject to monthly fuel limits set under the programme.
Millions expected to benefit from relief
The government estimates that around 11.8 million people could benefit from the fuel relief programme. The scheme was first introduced in Islamabad before being expanded across the country from September 16.
The latest payments show that the government has started reimbursing petrol pumps for the subsidised fuel. This could help reduce concerns among dealers about continuing the relief programme.
The 48-hour claim processing target may also make the payment system faster. The overall impact will depend on how smoothly the scheme operates across the country.
The latest payments suggest that the reimbursement process for petrol pumps is now moving forward. Faster claim processing could also help dealers continue providing subsidised petrol without major payment concerns.
The scheme’s wider impact will depend on timely payments and smooth implementation. Its success will also depend on whether eligible consumers can receive the relief within the set fuel limits.
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