ISLAMABAD — Pakistan is considering a range of measures, including a possible “smart lockdown”, to reduce fuel consumption amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and growing concerns over oil supplies, according to local reports.
The proposals are aimed at cutting fuel use across both the public and private sectors, particularly in transportation.
Pakistan raised petrol prices by 4.10 Pakistani rupees per litre and high-speed diesel prices by 6.41 rupees on Tuesday night. Petrol now costs 384.34 rupees per litre, while diesel is priced at 415.83 rupees.
Pakistan had previously introduced measures such as a four-day working week and earlier market closures to conserve fuel during periods of heightened tensions involving the United States and Iran. Similar measures are now being considered under the proposed “smart lockdown” approach.
However, Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik said no such discussions had taken place.
Concerns over possible disruptions to oil supplies have increased as security conditions deteriorate around the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb. At the same time, rising international crude oil prices are increasing Pakistan’s fuel import costs.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s fuel relief scheme is currently providing subsidised petrol to help cushion consumers from higher prices. Under the scheme, motorcycle users are eligible for five litres of subsidised petrol per week, while car owners can receive 10 litres every 10 days.
Malik has acknowledged that the assistance is not sufficient to fully offset the impact of the latest fuel price increases.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has increased its reliance on domestic energy resources to keep power plants operating amid the fuel supply pressures. Domestic sources accounted for 72% of the country’s total electricity generation in August, according to the report.
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