Pakistan imposes lockdown-like measures amid fuel, gas crisis: Foreign travel ban, markets shut by 9 pm
Pakistan tried to prevent a repeat of the early business closures enforced in April, but rising fuel prices have forced it to take similar measures again
Pakistan is grappling with a severe fuel and gas crisis due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, causing global oil prices to surge. The government raised the prices of petrol and diesel, but the relief provided by the subsequent fuel subsidy has been limited. Vehicle owners face difficulties registering for the subsidy, as the process is cumbersome.
In response, Pakistan has imposed austerity measures, including a 50% reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, banning foreign travel and domestic meetings, and closing markets by 9 pm. The government has also reduced non-employee-related expenditure by 5% and asked officials to hold virtual meetings instead of physical ones.
These measures are part of the government's efforts to conserve fuel and curb government spending, a strategy already employed in April of this year.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times - World News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
