Petrol at ₹384, Pakistan introduces austerity measures – one meal at wedding events, markets to close by 9pm | Today’s news
Pakistan’s government reimposed austerity measures on Thursday to curb fuel consumption as escalating conflicts in West Asia sent global oil prices soaring, threatening the country’s gas and electricity supplies.
The measures, approved by Pakistan’s cabinet, will remain in place for three months as the government seeks to curb fuel consumption and spending.
The development comes after the Pakistan government on Tuesday increased the price of petrol by PkR 4.10 per liter and high-speed diesel (HSD) by PkR 6.41 per liter to PkR 384.34 and PkR 415.83 per litre, respectively.
Pakistan’s government continues to levy taxes and duties of Rs 114 per liter on petrol and Rs 100 per liter on diesel, Pakistan’s Dawn reported.
What are the precautions?
1. Under the measures announced on Thursday, fuel allocations for government vehicles will be cut by 50 percent, although vehicles used by the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and essential services will be exempt.
2. Shops, markets, malls and bazaars, as well as grocery, general and kiryana shops are to close by 9pm.
3. The wedding halls, marquee and all other commercial venues where ceremonial events are held will close by 10pm. At all functions or events related to marriage, only one dish should be served, Dawn said.
4. Restaurants, cafes, restaurants and food shops, as well as independent fruit and vegetable shops, are to be closed by 11pm. Takeaway and home delivery services are not subject to this restriction.
5. The government also announced a five percent cut in non-personnel-related spending and banned official foreign visits as well as domestic travel for meetings, asking officials to switch to virtual meetings instead.
6. Official dinners were also banned, except for those held for foreign visitors and delegations, while the purchase of new government vehicles was banned.
7. Exception: Pharmacies, medical and medical equipment stores, medical laboratories, clinics, hospitals, independent bakeries, independent tandoori shops, independent milk and dairy product shops, fuel and CNG filling stations, recharging stations for electric cars, gyms, sports facilities and sports/padel courts, IT companies and call centers are also exempt from any time restrictions.
The new austerity measures are initially limited to Islamabad, with the federal government encouraging provincial and regional governments to consider adopting similar measures, according to local media.
Oil prices rose amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and supply concerns following attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the temporary shutdown of its east-west pipeline after an airstrike.
