Pakistan provides fuel aid to over 9 million low-income people as Middle East war drives up prices

Pakistan’s government is providing fuel subsidies to over 9 million low-income people as the U.S.-Iran war drives up energy pricesISLAMABAD -- Pakistan’s government has provided fuel subsidies to more than 9 million low-income people as the U.S.-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 program, 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. The subsidies were announced after Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan’s major Islamist political party, threatened to march on Islamabad to pressure the government to cut taxes on petrol and diesel.Fuel prices in Pakistan have risen by more than 50% since the war between the United States and Iran began earlier this year, adding to pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living. Sharif’s government says the subsidies are intended to he...