The federal government is considering a range of fuel-saving measures and may shut down schools and universities nationwide as oil supply disruptions continue due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
A cabinet committee responsible for monitoring petroleum prices met with provincial authorities and finalized a national action strategy to deal with the potential impact of the crisis. The committee assessed possible fuel shortages and rising energy costs, and discussed steps to reduce consumption across different sectors.
The proposed plan will now be submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approval. After receiving the prime minister’s consent, the plan will be forwarded to the federal Economic Coordination Committee for formal endorsement and implementation.
Officials said the government is preparing contingency measures to minimize the economic and energy-related fallout from the volatile Middle East situation. One of the key proposals under review includes temporarily closing educational institutions across the country in order to reduce daily commuting and transportation fuel use.
In addition to possible school closures, authorities are also evaluating the revival of several policies that were previously implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures could include encouraging carpooling, promoting work-from-home arrangements, and shifting classes to online platforms.
Such steps are aimed at reducing fuel consumption while also helping the country preserve valuable foreign exchange reserves during a period of global uncertainty. Policymakers believe that limiting unnecessary travel and transportation can significantly cut petrol and diesel usage.
Meanwhile, economic indicators show some improvement as the State Bank of Pakistan recently reported an increase in the country’s foreign reserves. However, officials remain cautious and are preparing preventive strategies to ensure that Pakistan’s energy supply and financial stability are protected if global oil disruptions worsen.
The final decision regarding these measures will be made after the prime minister reviews the proposed plan and relevant authorities complete the approval process.
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