Islamabad: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom has invited expressions of interest to procure 24,000 mobile phones for operating a petrol subsidy application, officials confirmed. The move comes as the government accelerates efforts to manage the ongoing energy crisis through digital solutions.
Authorities stated that only PTA-approved devices will qualify for the initiative, ensuring regulatory compliance and system security. Meanwhile, the National IT Board will determine pricing, while oil marketing companies will handle procurement and distribution.
Under the plan, officials will deploy the devices across approximately 12,000 petrol pumps nationwide. Each station will allocate two nozzles specifically for subsidised fuel distribution, enabling efficient implementation. Moreover, authorities expect the system to streamline access and reduce misuse.
Digital voucher system nears completion
At the same time, the ministry has completed development of the mobile application, which is now in the final testing phase. Through this platform, eligible users will receive digital vouchers to access subsidised petrol.
Officials are considering a proposal to provide up to 20 litres of subsidised fuel per month to motorcycle owners. However, a final decision on extending the subsidy to cars up to 800cc remains pending. Importantly, users will not be allowed to exceed their allocated quota, ensuring fair distribution.
Furthermore, the government is exploring additional measures to address the energy crisis, particularly amid regional uncertainties. Authorities have also initiated nationwide monitoring of petrol pumps to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities during rollout.
