Motorcycles and rickshaws up to 20 years old can now qualify for the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate expansion of the eligibility criteria.

Under the new decision, motorcycles, rickshaws and Qingqi rickshaws registered on or after January 1, 2006, will be eligible to register for the scheme.

The change expands the scheme to older two- and three-wheelers, potentially allowing more drivers and owners who depend on these vehicles for commuting and income to receive fuel relief.

The scheme provides a Rs. 100 per liter subsidy on up to 20 liters of petrol per month for eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and other two- and three-wheelers.

Cars with engine capacities of up to 800cc can receive the same Rs. 100 per liter relief on up to 30 liters per month.

The fuel relief is available to noncommercial users and is limited to one vehicle per user or owner.

The Economic Coordination Committee has approved Rs. 75 billion for the scheme, which is being implemented through a digital Fuel Pass System.