Pakistan Announces Fresh Austerity Measures Amid Fuel Crisis

Pakistan has reintroduced a series of austerity and fuel-conservation measures as rising energy costs and supply disruptions put pressure on its economy. Under the measures announced by the Cabinet Division on September 17, markets, shops and shopping malls must close by 9 pm, marriage halls and other event venues by 10 pm, and restaurants, cafés and food outlets by 11 pm. Takeaway and home-delivery services are exempt. The government has also limited weddings to a single dish and reduced fuel allocations for official vehicles by 50% for three months.

The measures also restrict government vehicle purchases, foreign travel by ministers and parliamentarians for three months, and certain government-funded events, with teleconferencing encouraged for meetings. Meanwhile, from September 18, petrol is priced at 390.79 Pakistani rupees per litre after a 43-paisa reduction, while high-speed diesel rose by 3.47 rupees to 424.92 rupees. To cushion the impact of higher fuel costs, the government has announced a targeted relief scheme offering a subsidy of up to 100 rupees per litre for eligible motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles, subject to the scheme’s conditions.