Subsidy for Motorcycles Does Not Bring Expected Relief

Although the government announced a reduction in petrol prices, the expected benefits for motorcycle riders have yet to be realized.

The price of diesel remains unchanged, preventing any decrease in fares for passenger and goods transport.

Freight operators have reportedly hiked their charges by a striking 60 to 65 percent, significantly increasing the cost of moving essential food items and everyday goods.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, flour suppliers have set transportation fees at Rs-20 per 15-kilogram bag for deliveries to grocery stores, bakeries, and hotels, while the cost for transporting a sack of flour or maida has been fixed at Rs-80.

Traders, shopkeepers, and members of the public have criticized the government’s petrol price reduction as “minimal.” At fuel stations, many motorists voiced frustration, claiming the government initially raised prices excessively to “gauge public tolerance” before partially rolling them back.

This comes after widespread public outrage when the federal government raised petrol prices to Rs-458 per litre. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif then responded, cutting the price by Rs-80 to bring it down to Rs378 per litre.

While petrol stations have updated their rates accordingly, dissatisfaction among citizens continues, with many insisting that the reduction is insufficient.

The promised Rs-100 relief for motorcycle riders has also faced criticism, as the standard procedures required to claim the subsidy are reportedly too complicated for ordinary riders to navigate.

Meanwhile, diesel prices have not been lowered, denying the public meaningful relief, since most public transport vehicles rely on diesel. As a result, fares have remained high, with some stop-to-stop charges reaching Rs-60.

Nasir Abbasi, a rider for Bykea, stated that the procedures for claiming the Rs-100 subsidy are so cumbersome that the concession period could end before most applicants are able to complete the requirements.

Additionally, Tariq Mahmood Sajid Awan, President of the District Bar Association, announced plans to challenge the price hike at the Rawalpindi Bench of the High Court.