ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged citizens to actively contribute to fuel conservation and support the government’s austerity drive in light of the worsening energy situation triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The crisis emerged following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to disruptions in global fuel supplies and rising energy concerns worldwide. In response, Pakistan introduced unprecedented austerity measures on March 9 to stabilise the economy and manage energy consumption.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the implementation of fuel-saving and austerity measures, the prime minister was briefed on progress made so far. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the measures are aimed at ensuring economic stability and reducing pressure on national resources.
The meeting reviewed the enforcement of early market closures, with shops and shopping malls across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad directed to close by 8pm. Sindh remains under consultation for similar measures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed the urgency of the situation, calling on the entire nation to play its part. He warned that hoarding petroleum products would not be tolerated and directed authorities to take strict action against violators.
Highlighting Pakistan’s energy challenges, the premier noted that a significant portion of the country’s electricity generation depends on petroleum-based fuels. He explained that early market closures and other austerity steps are intended not only to conserve foreign exchange reserves but also to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
Officials informed the meeting that provincial governments had begun sharing verified data of individuals eligible for fuel subsidies, which are being distributed through a transparent digital system.
Additionally, subsidies for freight transport, including buses and trucks, have been in effect since April 4 through coordination between the Ministry of Information Technology and the State Bank of Pakistan.
The government reiterated its commitment to tackling the energy crisis through coordinated national efforts and responsible consumption practices.
