Bike owners in Punjab can get petrol subsidy help right now, but it comes from the federal PM Fuel Relief Scheme, not the old Punjab scheme. This article explains what changed, who can apply, and how to register by SMS to 9771.
Quick Answer
The Punjab government’s own Rs100 per litre bike scheme opened in April 2026. The federal government ended fuel subsidies for motorcyclists on 22 June 2026. A new federal scheme began in September 2026. Motorcycle, rickshaw and Chingchi owners get Rs100 per litre off on up to 20 litres a month. Punjab owners register by SMS to 9771.
What Happened to the Punjab Petrol Subsidy?
There have been two different schemes this year. Many websites mix them up, so here is the timeline.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 3 April 2026 | CM Maryam Nawaz announced 20 litres of petrol a month at Rs100 per litre for motorbike owners |
| 4 April 2026 | Applications opened through helpline 1000, the Maryam Ko Batayen app and a web portal |
| 22 June 2026 | The federal government decided to end fuel subsidies for motorcyclists, small farmers and transport operators after global fuel prices fell sharply |
| 13 September 2026 | The federal government launched a new Rs100 per litre relief scheme for motorcyclists, rickshaw owners and vehicles up to 800cc |
The new scheme covers all of Pakistan. It is not a Punjab-only scheme. It also covers Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Why the Government Started It Again
The government said rising oil prices, linked to tensions in the Middle East, were hurting people. Petrol was selling at Rs375.82 per litre when the scheme was announced. Petrol prices change often, so check the latest rate at your pump.
Who Can Get the Petrol Subsidy?
The scheme is for small vehicles. It covers motorcycles, rickshaws, Chingchis and other two and three wheelers, plus vehicles up to 800cc.
- The scheme is for non-commercial users, and only one vehicle per owner is covered. This comes from a report that is not an official source, so please confirm it with the government.
- Motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqis registered on or after 1 January 2006 can now register.
- Earlier, only vehicles registered on or after 1 January 2011 were eligible.
- The CNIC and the SIM used for the SMS should belong to the same person.
The government announcements do not list an income limit. Some websites claim you must earn below Rs50,000 a month. Do not trust these claims unless the government confirms them.
How Much Petrol Will You Get?
| Vehicle | Discount | Monthly limit |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle, rickshaw, Qingqi | Rs100 per litre | 20 litres |
| Car up to 800cc | Rs100 per litre | 30 litres |
Bike owners get one token a week, so four tokens a month. Cars up to 800cc get Rs100 per litre on 10 litres every 10 days, so three tokens a month. A bike owner saves up to Rs2,000 a month. This is simple maths: Rs100 times 20 litres.
Riders who buy less than 5 litres in a week still get a Rs500 discount against a single token.
How to Apply for the Petrol Subsidy
You register once by SMS, then get a fuel token each time you need petrol.
- Use the mobile SIM that is registered on your own CNIC.
- Type REG, a space, your CNIC number, your vehicle number plate, the first letter of the province where the vehicle is registered, and the vehicle registration date.
- For a Punjab vehicle, the province letter is P. Use the province on the vehicle papers, not the city where you live.
- Send the SMS to 9771.
- After you register, send TOK to 9771 to get a fuel token.
- Show the token at a participating petrol station to get petrol at the subsidised rate.
The registration SMS is free. The Prime Minister ordered the charge waived. One report says the format for the date is DDMMYYYY, and gives an example. Keep your vehicle registration papers nearby so every detail is exact.
Latest Update and Current Status
- The scheme began in Islamabad on the night of Monday 14 September and in the rest of Pakistan on the night of Wednesday 16 September.
- Petrol dealers had refused to sell under the scheme, then started after talks with the government. They were told the subsidy would be paid back within 24 hours.
- Motorcyclists in several cities have started getting relief at pumps.
- On 18 September the Prime Minister added older bikes, rickshaws and Qingqis to the scheme.
We could not find any official announcement of a new Punjab-only petrol subsidy. Some websites still show old April 2026 pages for the Punjab scheme. Check date on any page before you act.
Important Information
- Beware of fake apps and agents. The official steps use SMS only. Nobody should charge you to register.
- Sources differ on small details, such as which older bikes qualify. This article follows the latest news reports from 18 and 19 September 2026.
- Punjab also announced a waiver of transfer fees for motorcycles up to 150cc in May 2026. This was announced by CM Maryam Nawaz. We could not confirm whether this waiver is still active, so check with your excise office.
- Rules can change quickly. Confirm details with the government before you rely on them.
FAQs
Is there a petrol subsidy in Punjab right now?
Yes, through the federal PM Fuel Relief Scheme, which started in Punjab in mid-September 2026. The old Punjab bike scheme from April is not the current one.
How much is the subsidy?
It is Rs100 per litre. Bikes get up to 20 litres a month, so up to Rs2,000 in savings.
How do I register?
Send an SMS starting with REG to 9771 with your CNIC, plate number, province letter and registration date. Then send TOK to get a token.
What is the province code for Punjab?
The letter is P.
Can I register a 20-year-old bike?
Yes, if it was registered on or after 1 January 2006.
Can car owners apply?
Only cars up to 800cc can apply. They get 30 litres a month.
Is the registration SMS free?
Yes. The government waived the charge.
Is there a Punjab income limit?
We found no income limit in the official announcements. Do not trust websites that claim one.
