Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to make the SMS service used for petrol subsidy registration free of charge, giving further relief to citizens applying for the government’s fuel relief scheme.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting reviewing the progress and arrangements of the PM Special Relief Scheme. The government has also directed officials to increase public awareness so eligible citizens can complete registration without unnecessary difficulty.
Petrol Subsidy Registration SMS Will Be Free
Under the latest order, citizens will not have to pay SMS charges for registering for the petrol subsidy scheme.
The government is using an SMS-based system so people can register without needing a smartphone, internet connection, or a separate mobile application.
Eligible applicants can complete the registration process from home by sending their required vehicle and identification details to 9771.
Only Four Basic Details Are Required
The government has said that applicants need to provide four basic pieces of information for registration:
- CNIC number
- Vehicle number plate
- Province where the vehicle is registered
- Vehicle registration date
The mobile SIM used for registration must also be registered in the applicant’s own name and linked with their CNIC.
The information is used to verify the applicant and vehicle before the subsidy is approved.
Who Can Get Petrol Subsidy?
The PM petrol relief scheme provides Rs100 per litre relief on petrol for eligible users.
The scheme covers motorcycles, rickshaws, other eligible two- and three-wheelers, and cars with engine capacity of up to 800cc.
Motorcycle and three-wheeler users can receive subsidised petrol for up to 20 litres per month.
Eligible cars up to 800cc can receive subsidised petrol for up to 30 litres per month.
How the Fuel Token Works
Registration is only the first step.
After successful registration, eligible users can send TOK to 9771 before visiting a participating petrol station. The system then provides a fuel relief token.
For motorcycles and three-wheelers, the token covers 5 litres of petrol, giving a maximum relief of Rs500 per transaction.
For eligible cars, the token covers 10 litres, providing Rs1,000 relief per transaction.
Motorcycle and three-wheeler users can generally claim the relief once a week, while eligible car users can claim it once every 10 days.
Petrol Subsidy Scheme Rollout
The petrol relief scheme has already started in Islamabad, where subsidised petrol is being provided to eligible registered citizens.
The scheme is scheduled to expand across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from the night between September 16 and 17, 2026.
Authorities have also been directed to assist citizens during registration and create wider awareness through television, newspapers, digital platforms and social media.
More than 600,000 SMS messages had reportedly been received from the Islamabad region by Monday afternoon, with more than 42,000 applicants successfully registered.
Important Warning for Applicants
Applicants should enter their CNIC and vehicle information carefully. Incorrect vehicle details, registration information or SIM ownership details can cause registration problems.
Citizens should also avoid sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, PINs or banking details with anyone claiming to arrange petrol subsidy registration.
The government has introduced the SMS system to make the process easier for people, including those who do not use smartphones or have reliable internet access.
With the SMS registration charges now waived, eligible citizens can complete the registration process without paying an additional SMS fee.
