World News

Pakistan expands targeted fuel relief to over 10 million low-income motorists

The government allocated 75 billion rupees to cushion surging energy costs following the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran.

Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 18:17 UTC2 reports

The short version

Pakistan has distributed targeted fuel subsidies to millions of low-income motorcycle, rickshaw, and small-car operators to counter surging energy costs.[Associated Press · ABC News]
Domestic fuel prices have spiked by more than 50% since the conflict between the United States and Iran erupted earlier this year.[ABC News]
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated the government budgeted 75 billion rupees ($268 million) for the relief, which he estimated reaches 50 million people when accounting for families.[Associated Press]

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the government allocated 75 billion rupees ($268 million) for fuel subsidies.[Associated Press]
Fuel prices across Pakistan have surged by more than 50% since the war between the United States and Iran began earlier this year.[ABC News]
Motorcycle and three-wheeler operators qualify for a weekly discount of 500 rupees ($1.79), capped at four tokens monthly.[ABC News]
Owners of small cars with engines up to 800 cubic centimeters are eligible for discounts of 100 rupees (36 cents) per liter on up to 10 liters every 10 days.[ABC News]
Sharif estimated the fuel discount program reaches approximately 50 million people when accounting for recipients' family members.[Associated Press]

The reported number of total program beneficiaries grew from more than 9 million cited by officials on Tuesday to over 10 million reported by Prime Minister Sharif on Friday.[Associated Press]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.