Govt Considers Extending Sasta Petrol Scheme for Another 10 Months

 

The federal government may continue its petrol subsidy programme for up to 10 months if further support is deemed necessary for consumers, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has said.

Speaking in Lahore, the minister said the government is currently spending between Rs. 35 billion and Rs. 40 billion per month on the subsidy programme. More than six million people have reportedly registered for the scheme, reflecting its broad reach among petrol consumers.

Malik said the government would continue monitoring international oil prices and would pass on any reduction in global petroleum prices to consumers. A decline in international crude prices could therefore lead to lower fuel costs domestically.

The minister also addressed concerns regarding petrol availability, saying there would be no shortage in the country. He said authorities were monitoring supplies to ensure adequate fuel stocks remain available across Pakistan.

Malik also clarified his earlier remarks about petrol prices potentially reaching Rs. 1,000 per litre. He said the comments had been taken out of context and were not intended as a prediction that petrol prices would actually reach that level.

The subsidy programme comes as households and businesses continue to monitor fuel prices because of their impact on transportation and the cost of goods and services.

Officials are expected to keep reviewing international oil prices, domestic fuel supplies, and the financial cost of the subsidy before deciding how long the relief programme should continue.