The government is considering reintroducing a four-day workweek and other fuel conservation measures as soaring global oil prices, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, threaten to increase Pakistan’s import bill and put fresh pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
According to senior government officials, the proposed austerity measures could be taken up by the federal cabinet as early as this week or next, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif having already discussed fuel-saving options during recent consultations.
Officials said the government is weighing a range of steps aimed at reducing petroleum consumption and containing the impact of higher international oil prices on the economy.
Among the proposals under consideration is the revival of the four-day workweek, which was previously introduced as part of emergency energy conservation efforts.
The renewed focus on austerity comes only weeks after the government eased emergency fuel-saving restrictions.
Meanwhile, the government decided to revise to the fuel pricing mechanism. Under the revised system, retail petroleum prices will now be announced every working day, from Monday to Friday, instead of once a week. The Petroleum Division will continue issuing the notifications late in the evening.
