The Centre and provinces agreed on Friday to immediately roll out a mobile application-based quota system for two- and three-wheelers to ensure a targeted subsidy for low-income strata. The Ministry of Finance said this after a consultative meeting with the provinces. A detailed presentation by the Petroleum Division was made on the current status of petroleum products’ availability in the country, which remained stable and adequate across the country. Officials from provincial governments attended the high-level consultative meeting, presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. He highlighted the need to promote responsible consumption behaviour while maximising relief for the public.

A comprehensive presentation was given by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on proposed technological solutions to facilitate a targeted subsidy mechanism for petroleum products, with a focus on transparency and efficient delivery. The provincial leadership shared their views on the prevailing situation and policy options. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah appreciated the federal government’s efforts to maintain uninterrupted fuel availability while emphasising the importance of behavioural measures. The meeting aimed to expedite efforts to finalise a targeted subsidy framework using technological solutions.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over the high-level consultative meeting on the petroleum products situation, which also included officials from provincial governments. He noted that policy responses should remain fiscally prudent while maximising relief for the public. The participants agreed to expedite efforts to finalise a targeted subsidy framework using technological solutions while ensuring continued coordination between the federal and provincial governments.

The meeting commenced with the Petroleum Division’s detailed presentation on the current status of petroleum products’ availability in the country. It was noted with satisfaction that the fuel supply situation remained stable and adequate across the country. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication also gave a comprehensive presentation on proposed technological solutions to facilitate a targeted subsidy mechanism for petroleum products.

After the meeting, the Centre and provinces agreed to implement the mobile application-based quota system. This will ensure a targeted subsidy for low-income strata while minimising leakage of public money into untargeted avenues. The Ministry of Finance said that the participants agreed to expedite efforts to finalise a targeted subsidy framework using technological solutions, as part of their coordination.