Islamabad: The federal government is preparing to launch a digital system to ration petroleum products through a dedicated mobile application. Officials say the app will assign fuel quotas to registered users in an effort to manage increasing consumption. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to brief President Asif Ali Zardari on the proposal and seek his backing.
According to sources, consumers will register on the app using their vehicle registration number and national identity card details. Authorities will then assess usage patterns and fuel availability to allocate daily petrol or diesel quotas. Users will only be able to purchase fuel within these specified limits, ensuring controlled distribution.
Officials noted that the initiative follows a detailed comparison of petroleum consumption over the past year. Despite rising fuel prices, demand has continued to grow, prompting the government to consider stricter regulatory measures. Therefore, policymakers believe a digital quota system could help curb excessive usage while maintaining equitable access.
Meanwhile, the prime minister is scheduled to meet the president at Aiwan-i-Sadr to discuss expanding provincial participation in fuel subsidies. The federal government has already spent approximately Rs100 billion to support consumers nationwide.
However, officials stress that sustaining subsidies has placed significant pressure on federal finances. Consequently, the government is now urging provincial administrations to share the financial responsibility. During the meeting, the prime minister will present both the fuel rationing plan and the proposal for broader subsidy collaboration.
Ultimately, the government aims to balance fiscal constraints with public relief while ensuring a more efficient fuel distribution system across the country.
