ISLAMABAD:
The government has decided to acquire around 24,000 mobile phones as part of a nationwide rollout of a digital, app-based fuel subsidy system, as a major step towards dealing with the ongoing energy crisis through targeted relief and tighter monitoring.
The devices, to be installed at petrol pumps across the country, will form the backbone of a new system designed to regulate the distribution of subsidized petrol through a mobile application.
According to the plan, the IT Ministry must supervise the initiative, while the IT Agency sets the prices of the mobile phones. Oil marketing companies will buy the devices and supply them to petrol pumps, with around 12,000 pumps expected to be equipped with two mobile phones each.
The system aims to streamline and digitize subsidized fuel distribution by allocating two dedicated nozzles at each petrol pump for subsidized petrol. Through the mobile application, consumers, especially motorcyclists and three-wheeler owners, will be able to access subsidized fuel using digital coupons or QR codes issued through the app.
Sources said the mobile application has already been developed and is in the final stages of testing.
Under the proposed framework, eligible users would receive a fixed monthly quota of subsidized petrol, with motorcycles expected to be allocated between 20 and 30 liters per month.
Consumers are not allowed to exceed their allocated quota, which ensures controlled and targeted distribution.
A final decision to expand the facility to vehicles up to 800cc has not yet been made. However, the government is considering expanding the scheme to include selected additional categories of users under a targeted subsidy model.
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to address the energy crisis, with several policy options currently under consideration. In consideration of potential emergency situations, alternative contingency plans have also been drawn up.
Alongside the rollout, the authorities have initiated a monitoring process at petrol pumps across the country to ensure transparency and efficiency in the system.
The use of digital verification through QR codes is expected to minimize misuse and improve accountability in fuel distribution.
Sources added that an official announcement on the rollout of the QR code-based subsidized petrol system is expected soon.
