Islamabad (National Times) Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a special relief package offering a Rs100-per-litre reduction on petrol for motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi vehicles and cars with engines up to 800cc.

The prime minister said the government was fully aware of the financial pressure caused by rising oil prices and would not leave the public alone during the difficult period.

Under the scheme, owners of motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi and other two- and three-wheelers will receive relief on up to 20 litres of petrol per month. Owners of vehicles with engines up to 800cc will be eligible for relief on up to 30 litres per month.

Shehbaz Sharif said the relief would take effect in Islamabad from the night between Monday and Tuesday, while the scheme would be implemented across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from the night between Wednesday and Thursday.

Registration for the special relief programme has already begun, while an awareness campaign will provide citizens with details about the registration and disbursement process.

Meanwhile, Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the prime minister had decided to provide relief exceeding the amount collected through the petroleum levy.

He said citizens would be able to register from home and would not need to visit government offices. Despite limited resources, he added, the government had taken the decision to provide financial relief and greater protection to the public.