The government has initiated preparations to provide petrol subsidies to low-income consumers amid the ongoing energy crisis, with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication developing a mobile application to manage and distribute the relief, officials said on Wednesday.

The application is currently undergoing testing ahead of its planned nationwide rollout. The proposed subsidy programme is expected to primarily target two- and three-wheeler owners, including motorcycles and rickshaws, with authorities considering a monthly petrol quota of 20 litres for motorcycles. However, a final decision on extending the subsidy to vehicles up to 800cc has yet to be taken.

Officials said the government plans to pass on the impact of rising global oil prices to consumers outside the subsidy framework, while protecting lower-income segments through targeted support.

To operationalise the scheme, around 12,000 petrol pumps across the country will allocate dedicated nozzles for subsidised fuel. Each pump will be equipped with two mobile phones to operate the application, ensuring fuel is dispensed through a digital verification process.

Consumers will receive vouchers through the mobile application, which must be presented at designated petrol pumps before purchasing subsidised fuel. Separate application interfaces are being designed for retailers and consumers to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Under the proposed system, the subsidy quota for each user will be linked to their vehicle registration number and computerised national identity card, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse. Users will not be allowed to purchase fuel beyond their allocated quota.

Authorities are also planning a backup mechanism to ensure fuel supply during emergencies, along with the establishment of a 24-hour monitoring system to address consumer complaints and oversee operations.

Oil marketing companies will be required to provide mobile devices at petrol stations, while the IT ministry will coordinate with mobile manufacturers for procurement. Training videos will also be displayed at petrol pumps and made available through the application to guide both consumers and staff on how to use the system effectively.