Pakistan has announced new fuel conservation measures, prioritising early market closures and increased daytime business activity to reduce electricity consumption amid global supply disruptions.
Markets will shut at 8pm starting 6 April, with the federal government coordinating implementation through consultations with provincial administrations and military leadership.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the four provincial chief ministers are expected to finalise consensus approval before the new restrictions are formally enforced.
Global fuel supplies remain disrupted due to ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, driving international prices to record levels across multiple regions.
The government has already introduced austerity measures, including three days school closures and restrictions on government vehicle usage, aiming to reduce national fuel consumption.
Increase in Fuel Prices
The government has simultaneously announced sharp increases in fuel prices, with petrol now costing Rs458.40 per litre and diesel set at Rs520.35 per litre.
Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed the new rates, reflecting historic increases for both petrol and diesel.
Petrol prices have risen by Rs138 per litre, while diesel prices increased by Rs184 per litre, marking unprecedented highs in Pakistan’s fuel market.
Officials warned the new pricing structure could trigger a fresh wave of inflation, adding pressure on households and businesses already struggling with rising costs.
OTCA Protests
The Oil Tanker Contractors Association has warned of suspending operations, citing recent petroleum price increases, and said disruptions could affect fuel supplies.
In a statement released Friday, OTCA President Abdullah Afridi confirmed diesel prices had risen sharply, increasing by Rs184–185, and declared tanker loading would be stopped.
Afridi explained the decision, stressing that no oil tanker would be loaded tomorrow, while simultaneously demanding an urgent increase in freight charges from authorities.
Fuel Use Jumps 24 Percent
Pakistan recorded a 24 percent increase in fuel consumption during March compared to February, despite multiple government-imposed restrictions aimed at reducing petrol usage.
The data, covering fuel usage until March 30, showed a significant rise in demand, raising questions about the effectiveness of recent conservation policies introduced by the government.
