ISLAMABAD: The federal government is actively considering a series of stringent energy conservation measures, including a potential return to work-from-home (WFH) protocols and online schooling, as the country braces for a looming fuel shortage triggered by US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
The proposals, which mirror the “smart working” models adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, were discussed before a Senate Standing Committee on Finance which met here on Thursday. The move comes as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for global oil and LNG shipments—threaten Pakistan’s energy supply chain following recent military strikes involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
Briefing the committee, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb confirmed that the government is exploring petroleum conservation strategies to stretch existing reserves. Sources privy to the development told Dawn that the plan includes advising the corporate sector, particularly IT and telecom firms, to transition to remote work at least two days a week.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education is reviewing the possibility of shifting educational institutions to virtual sessions for the remainder of March to curb the daily consumption of petrol and diesel by transport fleets.
As part of its strategy, the government is also considering a shift from fortnightly to weekly petroleum pricing so that hoarding by retailers in anticipation of price hikes could be discouraged.
According to data presented to the committee, Pakistan currently maintains a 28-day stock of petrol and diesel, while crude oil reserves stand at a more precarious 10-day supply. Officials warned that while the situation is being monitored closely, the implementation of the National Fuel Saving Plan may become “inevitable” if the blockade of maritime routes persists.
