Pakistan provides fuel aid to over nine million low-income people as Middle East war drives up prices

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s government has provided fuel subsidies to more than nine million low-income people as the US-Iran war drives up energy prices, officials said Tuesday.

Rising petrol and diesel prices have added pressure on a cash-strapped nation already grappling with high inflation, pushing up transportation, food and other living costs and raising fears of anti-government protests.

The programme, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month, offers fuel discounts to eligible motorcycle riders, rickshaw operators and owners of small cars, many of whom depend on their vehicles for work and daily travel.