Mobile app-based fuel quota system finalised for motorcycles, rickshaws amid global oil crisis

ISLAMABAD: The government has finalised a mobile application-based quota system for fuel for two- and three-wheelers, which may possibly include up to 800cc vehicles, to ensure a targeted subsidy to the low-income strata and to minimise oil consumption through pricing signals.

The details of the quota-based fuel supply system have been tested and finalised by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) and the ministries of finance, petroleum and information technology, a senior government official told Dawn.

Based on these workings, the government will now take a final decision on whether the scheme should extend to small cars or remain restricted to two- and three-wheelers.

The government plan involves “a quota-based fuel supply system” to be operated through a mobile application and would be end-to-end automated.

“A free, pre-installed app for retail operators will be provided,” said a senior official, adding that consumers will use a separate application. Meanwhile, the government will mandate a minimum of two mobile phones per retail outlet to run the system.

The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) has been coordinating with cellular phone manufacturers to provide specialised phones at an initial estimated cost of Rs36,000 per unit, with retail pricing around Rs72,000. Petrol stations have been required to deposit funds into a designated government account to ensure the immediate delivery of devices. The account number will be communicated to them by Ogra.

Talking about the quota mechanism and vouchers, an official said vehicle-based quotas will be linked to the user’s app via a registration number and their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC). However, quota limits will be finally decided by the cabinet committee concerned.

The users will generate a digital voucher through the app, while the retailers will scan or enter the voucher, leading the system to auto-validate the available quota. For example, if a user requests 20 litres but has a 15-litre quota, only 15 litres will be dispensed. The official said the........

© Dawn Business