ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a “petroleum relief package” for low-income people, his office said, amid 50-year-high inflation in the South Asian country.
The announcement of the relief package comes days after the government increased the petrol price by Rs5, taking it to Rs272 per liter.
Inflation more than doubled to 31.5 percent in February this year, making it difficult for low-income Pakistanis to make ends meet.
“Low-income poor people will be given a subsidy of up to Rs50 per liter under petroleum relief package,” PM Sharif’s office said in a statement Sunday night.
“Petroleum relief will be given to low income consumers who have motorcycles, rickshaws, 800cc and other small cars.”
The prime minister directed for the completion of the petroleum subsidy program as soon as possible
“For effective implementation of petroleum subsidy, all relevant institutions should formulate a comprehensive strategy through mutual cooperation,” he added.
