Pakistan, June 11 -- Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday informed the Senate that the government had disbursed Rs5.4 billion so far under a targeted fuel subsidy programme besides providing Rs4.61 billion support to small farmers in view of rising international fuel prices.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz about the recent increase in prices of petroleum products and its impact on costs of industrial productions and national economy, the minister said the government announced the relief package after tensions in the Middle East led to an increase in global oil prices.

He said an overall subsidy of Rs129 billion was provided to reduce the burden on the public.

Aurangzeb s...