The government of Pakistan is considering introducing a four-day workweek and shorter office hours as part of energy-saving measures amid concerns about possible fuel supply disruptions linked to tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting of a special committee monitoring petroleum supplies, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad. Officials reviewed several options aimed at reducing the consumption of petrol, diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as global energy markets face uncertainty due to rising regional conflict.
Among the ideas under consideration is shifting government offices to a four-day working week with shorter daily hours. The committee also discussed the possibility of moving schools and universities to online classes, similar to the arrangements adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, members of the committee did not reach a complete agreement on how quickly such measures should be introduced. Some officials supported taking immediate action to protect the country’s fuel reserves, while others warned that sudden restrictions could cause public concern and lead to panic buying.
Authorities informed the meeting that Pakistan’s current fuel reserves are estimated to last around 25 days, prompting the government to explore ways to manage fuel demand more carefully.
The meeting came shortly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed experienced bureaucrat Hamed Yaqub Sheikh as the new petroleum secretary.
Sources said the committee also discussed reducing fuel allowances for government departments and implementing conservation measures gradually rather than all at once.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates to secure additional fuel supplies or maintain existing agreements through alternative routes.
Officials from Pakistan State Oil, Pak-Arab Refinery Company and Pakistan Refinery Limited are also in contact with regional suppliers to help strengthen national fuel reserves.
Authorities were also told that the cost of a single LNG cargo has increased sharply to about 70 million dollars, compared to around 30 million dollars before the recent crisis, highlighting the impact of global supply disruptions.
Officials said the committee will finalise its recommendations soon and present them to the prime minister. The proposals may then be sent to the Economic Coordination Committee for approval.
Despite the concerns, officials reassured that fuel stocks are currently sufficient and there is no immediate shortage, although the government continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in global energy markets.
