Adeel Hassan 
A significant change in fuel distribution is being examined by Pakistan, with a proposed Pakistan’s New Fuel policy that will require the use of a mobile app for the purchase of petrol or diesel. Dubbed “no app, no petrol,” this policy aims to monitor fuel usage and help ensure that targeted subsidies go to the appropriate recipients.
What Is the “No App, No Petrol” Pakistan’s New Fuel Policy?
Governments will establish a digital fuel quota system, whereby consumers must register on a government-approved mobile app in order to obtain petrol or diesel. Without registration and validation through the app, there is no way for consumers to acquire fuel.
How the System Will Work
According to the proposed model, users will link their vehicle registration and national identification number to the app. After verification has been completed, users will receive a fuel quota that will be restricted to a specific quantity of fuel on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. In order to obtain their fuel from a petrol station, users will generate a virtual code or voucher that will be scanned before fuel can be dispensed.
Who Will Be Affected First?
The government’s first phase rollout of this system will target motorcycle riders and rickshaw operators, who represent a large portion of petroleum consumers every day. Additionally, there may be plans to include small.
Why Is Pakistan Introducing This Policy?
The rationale behind the policy is based on the combined economic pressures of the rising cost of oil globally, the increase in demand for fuel within the country and the financial burden imposed by the country’s fuel subsidy program. The Pakistani government is trying to limit fuel consumption through the introduction of a digital system to reduce waste in the use of fuel, control expenditure and ensure the equitable distribution of fuel for low-income earners.
Concerns and Challenges
The policy has defined economic objectives; however, it raises concerns about who will be able to use it. Access by some individuals may be hindered due to a lack of a smartphone or internet connectivity. Additionally, the capacity of gas stations to implement the technology required for the policy has been questioned as well as the impact of the policy on the data privacy of users.
What It Means Going Forward
The implementation of this policy has the potential to change how individuals access fuel in Pakistan. It is indicative of a trend toward the digitisation of the control of resources, whereby resource consumption is managed and controlled through the use of technology.
Final Takeaway
The NO APP, NO PETROL policy is Pakistan’s way of trying to balance fuel demand and the economic reality. It is currently being considered; however, it may be an indicator of a trend toward greater reliance on digital systems in order to control access to essential resources (e.g., fuel) through regulated allocation.
FAQs
What does “No App, No Fuel” mean?
It means that users may have to register on the government app in order to access petrol and diesel, as petrol and diesel may only be able to be accessed through digital means.
Can you buy fuel if you are not a registered user?
If you do not register with the app, you will not have the ability to purchase fuel because registration on the app is compulsory under the proposed policy.
How are the fuel quota system and digital voucher going to work?
Users will be issued a fuel allowance using the app that can only be used through purchasing petrol and diesel using a digital voucher within that allowance.
Who will be affected first?
Businesses with motorcycles and rickshaws are expected to be affected first, with car owners being affected at a later date.
