Pakistan government considers reinstating fuel-saving measures
In Pakistan, the government is considering reinstating austerity measures previously introduced to reduce fuel consumption. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered consultations on these restrictions, and a decision is expected to be made soon.
As Dawn reports, some of the previous measures, including restrictions on market operating hours, remain in force. According to Tarar, the authorities are reviewing the restrictions introduced earlier to determine which of them should be restored under the current circumstances.
Previous austerity measures
The measures were announced on March 9 to mitigate the economic consequences of the war between the United States and Iran. They provided for a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for official vehicles, lower salaries for legislators, and a partial transition of public-sector employees to remote work.
On June 19, the government abolished these measures, except for restrictions on market operating hours. In July, reports emerged that the authorities were considering a return to the fuel-saving policy.
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The review is taking place amid renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which, according to the publication, have disrupted key oil supply routes and led to higher fuel prices. The risks cited include the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is important for Saudi Arabian oil exports.
Targeted fuel benefit
At the same time, the government launched a targeted assistance program for users of motorcycles, rickshaws, Qingqi three-wheelers, and cars with engines of up to 800 cubic centimeters. The benefit amounts to 100 Pakistani rupees per liter of fuel.
For two- and three-wheeled vehicles, 500 rupees per week are provided, equivalent to five liters of fuel. Owners of cars with engines of up to 800 cubic centimeters will receive 1,000 rupees for 10 days; the program's calculation provides for 30 liters per month.
The program will apply only to non-commercial users and to one vehicle per owner. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications will manage the Fuel Pass System for the digital administration of payments. The Economic Coordination Committee approved a technical supplementary grant of 75 billion rupees to implement the program, while Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik estimated its monthly cost at approximately 25 billion rupees.
