The federal government is expected to reintroduce fuel conservation and austerity measures as early as this week or next in response to rising global oil prices triggered by renewed tensions in the Middle East.
According to government officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already discussed the proposed measures, with the federal cabinet expected to consider them formally in the coming days.
The proposals include a four-day working week, reduced staff attendance at government offices, fewer official vehicles, restrictions on foreign travel, greater reliance on virtual meetings and tighter controls on public expenditure.
The move comes after Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves declined to $22.67 billion on July 10, down from $23.99 billion at the beginning of the month, increasing pressure on the government to conserve foreign currency.
Officials said the fuel conservation plan prepared in March, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, remains ready for implementation and could be revived depending on the regional security situation and cabinet approval.
Meanwhile, the government has introduced daily revisions to retail petrol and high-speed diesel prices on working days. Officials clarified that the change does not amount to fuel price deregulation.
Under the revised system, fuel prices will be announced Monday through Friday, with prices set on Fridays remaining in effect until Monday. Officials said the existing pricing mechanism remains unchanged, with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) continuing to calculate prices before the Petroleum Division issues the final notification.