ISLAMABAD, September 20, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to maintain uninterrupted petrol supplies across Pakistan while ensuring that eligible citizens can access the government’s targeted fuel relief scheme without unnecessary hurdles. The measures come as international oil prices remain under pressure amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The government has been monitoring petroleum stocks, supply chains and distribution arrangements as part of efforts to protect domestic fuel availability. On September 15, the Petroleum Division briefed officials that major refineries, including PARCO, PRL and Cnergyico, along with Pakistan State Oil and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, were working to maintain adequate supplies across the country.
Petrol Supply and Relief Measures
The latest government measures combine fuel-supply monitoring with targeted financial relief for consumers facing higher petrol prices.
On September 19, the Prime Minister’s Special Relief Scheme was reported to have been rolled out across Pakistan. Under the programme, eligible beneficiaries receive petrol relief equivalent to Rs100 per litre. Shehbaz Sharif has also directed officials to expand the scheme’s outreach and ensure that beneficiaries receive the subsidy in a convenient and transparent manner.
The government has also adjusted the mechanism for smaller vehicles. Motorcycles, Qingqi and auto-rickshaws using less than five litres per refuelling can receive a weekly discount of Rs500 through a single token. Users of vehicles up to 800cc continue to receive Rs100 per litre in relief for up to 10 litres every 10 days under the existing arrangement.
Nationwide Fuel Distribution
The government has taken additional steps to keep the relief system operational at petrol stations across the country.
According to the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy, the overwhelming majority of fuel stations are now operating on the relief system, while arrangements are being made to include stations in areas without reliable internet connectivity. SMS-based token redemption has also been approved for those locations.
The government said registration and complaints are being handled through SMS, allowing people without smartphones or internet access to participate. Information Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said more than 1.75 million registrations had been completed by September 19, with around 1.5 million tokens generated and 680,000 already redeemed at petrol stations.
Measures to Prevent Fuel Shortages
Maintaining supply has remained a key government focus throughout the recent volatility in international energy markets. Earlier in 2026, Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to take action against artificial shortages and fuel hoarding.
The Prime Minister also ordered the creation of systems to monitor petroleum movement and strengthen coordination between federal and provincial authorities. In March, officials said adequate petroleum reserves were available to meet national requirements, while arrangements were being made to maintain uninterrupted supplies.
More recently, the government has continued working on digital monitoring of the petroleum supply chain. These measures are intended to improve oversight from transportation and storage facilities through to retail petrol stations.
What Happens Next
The government is expected to continue monitoring domestic fuel stocks, international oil prices and distribution networks as regional developments evolve. Officials are also working to expand access to the fuel relief programme and address complaints from eligible consumers.
The immediate focus remains maintaining petrol availability across Pakistan while ensuring that targeted relief reaches eligible households, particularly motorcycle, rickshaw and small-car users affected by higher fuel costs.
