The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to reduce the fuel allowance for official vehicles by 25 percent for two months amid the global fuel crisis triggered by the US-Israel war.
The cabinet-approved initiative, named the “Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative,” aims to ensure frugal use of petroleum products while continuing to monitor supply and demand across the province.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said the measures could be extended depending on fuel availability and global market developments, under the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi.
Restrictions and Work-From-Home Policies
The government will implement a 50 percent work-from-home policy for departments, conduct all meetings virtually, and close educational institutions on Fridays, prioritizing online learning to reduce commuting and fuel consumption.
The reduction in fuel allowance does not apply to police, rescue, and law enforcement personnel, ensuring essential services and emergency response operations continue without disruption across the province.
VIP protocol vehicles and government helicopters will also see curbed usage, while bans on unnecessary events and official dinners aim to further conserve state resources during the crisis.
Ensuring Essential Services and Monitoring
The provincial administration will continue monitoring fuel stations and take strict action against hoarding, while ensuring diesel supply to farmers for wheat harvesting to avoid disruption in critical agricultural operations.
The KP government’s announcement comes a day after a subsidy was introduced for registered motorcycle riders, and follows previous notifications urging departments to restrict fuel consumption to essential and unavoidable official duties.
Officials emphasized that these measures seek to protect the economy without adding undue burden on citizens while maintaining continuity of government operations amid rising petroleum prices globally.
Fuel and Transport Relief
The provincial government has also announced a fuel subsidy for 1.4 to 1.6 million registered motorcyclists across the province, providing Rs. 2,200 per owner in two separate installments.
The subsidy aims to offer direct financial assistance to daily commuters relying on motorcycles, helping households cope with rising petroleum prices that have increased the cost of essential travel across the province.
In addition, the government will maintain Peshawar BRT fares despite inflation, introduce dedicated pink buses for women with lower fares, and prepare a special agricultural relief package for farmers before wheat harvesting.
