ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering a three-day-a-week “smart lockdown” across the country to curb fuel consumption amid a sharp rise in petroleum prices linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The proposal came under discussion at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday to assess the impact of rising fuel prices and explore measures to ease the burden on consumers.
According to sources, the government is considering a four-day working week for public and private offices, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday proposed as holidays.
The plan also envisages reducing transport activity and introducing a rotational working system for government employees.
Officials are also examining a proposal to keep 50 per cent of government vehicles off the roads, close markets for three days a week and reduce business hours, sources said.
A final decision on the proposed measures is expected to be announced on Tuesday evening.
The development comes as the government faces mounting pressure from record-high fuel prices. Prime Minister Shehbaz has already announced a Rs100-per-litre relief scheme for motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc, with the Economic Coordination Committee approving the initiative.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said petroleum prices were now being revised on a daily basis because of volatility in the international market.
He said relevant sectors had been asked to prepare working schedules to finalise a proposal for three weekly holidays, aimed at substantially reducing fuel consumption as well as electricity and transport costs.
The government on Tuesday raised the price of petrol by Rs4.42 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs6.10 per litre, with the new rates taking effect from September 15.
Following the increase, petrol reached a record Rs380.24 per litre, while HSD rose to Rs409.42 per litre.
Petrol had been selling at around Rs266 per litre and diesel at nearly Rs281 per litre during the first week of March.
Meanwhile, international oil prices have continued to climb, with Brent crude crossing $108 a barrel amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
