Petrol subsidy brings relief for open-letter bike and rickshaw users — here’s how to register

The government has relaxed its rules to make the petrol subsidy available to more people. Under the petrol relief scheme, bike owners and rickshaw owners can apply even when their vehicles remain registered in another person’s name.

Federal IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced the decision during a press conference in Islamabad.

She said the government had introduced easier rules because many people use open-letter vehicles after buying them second-hand or even third-hand.

Who can receive the subsidy?

The petrol subsidy covers motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, motorcycle rickshaws and other two- and three-wheelers. Cars with engines up to 800cc are also included.

Eligible bike owners and rickshaw owners can receive the Rs100 per litre subsidy on petrol.

The minister said many open-letter vehicles are still officially registered under previous owners. The new rules allow users of motorcycles and three-wheelers to apply without first transferring the vehicle to their own name.

“Therefore, we have delinked the owner for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. It is still necessary for the car,” she said.

For cars, the vehicle must be registered in the applicant’s name.

How to register

Eligible users can complete 9771 registration from home.

Applicants must send their 13-digit CNIC number, vehicle registration number, first letter of the province where the vehicle is registered and registration date to 9771.

The SIM must be registered in the applicant’s own name and linked to their CNIC.

The government will use the vehicle registration date to check the documents and reduce fraudulent or stolen vehicle registrations.

After successful 9771 registration, applicants will receive a confirmation message.

Before visiting a petrol station, they must send “TOK” to 9771 to receive a fuel relief token.

The fuel relief token can then be presented at a petrol station to receive subsidised petrol.

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Monthly fuel limits

Under the petrol relief scheme, motorcycle and three-wheeler users can receive subsidised petrol for up to 20 litres per month.

Eligible small cars can receive up to 30 litres per month.

The Rs100 per litre subsidy means motorcycle and three-wheeler users can receive five-litre tokens worth Rs500 in subsidy per transaction.

Small-car users will receive 10-litre tokens, providing a Rs1,000 subsidy per transaction.

The petrol subsidy can be obtained once a week by motorcycle and three-wheeler users, while eligible car users can claim it once every 10 days.

Age limit and government funding

Motorcycles up to 15 years old and cars up to 20 years old are eligible.

The minister urged bike owners and rickshaw owners to provide accurate information during registration.

Incorrect SIM details or vehicle information could prevent applicants from receiving the benefit.

The petrol relief scheme is aimed at providing direct support to people who depend on smaller vehicles for daily travel and work.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government would allocate Rs25 billion every month for the programme.

The Rs100 per litre subsidy was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for eligible motorcycles, rickshaws, other two- and three-wheelers and small cars.

For many users of open-letter vehicles, the change could remove a major registration problem.

The fuel relief token system is also designed to control how subsidised fuel is distributed.