Petroleum dealers demand govt devise mechanism for fuel subsidy reimbursement

KARACHI: Petroleum dealers have called on the government to devise a mechanism for reimbursing the fuel subsidy, which is set to take effect across the country from midnight on Wednesday. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Under the scheme, a relief of Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres will be provided to bike and auto owners, while those owning small vehicles of up to 800cc will get a relief of Rs100 per litre for a monthly quota of 30 litres. “We welcome the government’s move for the benefit of the public, but our businesses should not suffer,” Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh said. He was addressing an emergency press conference on Wednesday along with other office-bearers of the association. “The fuel subsidy scheme started in Islamabad at midnight on Tuesday and will be launched across the country from tonight,” Malik said. He added: “But our issue is that petroleum dealers are asking us: who will pay the subsidy amount and when?” He explained that no fuel station could