The governments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan have rolled out fuel conservation measures in response to rising petroleum prices following the Middle East conflict, announcing school closures, work-from-home arrangements, and reduced allowances for official vehicles.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial cabinet approved the Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative, implementing the measures for two months. Official vehicle fuel allowances will be cut by 25 percent, adding to a prior 25 percent reduction from the Covid-19 period, though police, rescue, and law enforcement vehicles are exempt. A 50 percent work-from-home policy will apply across government departments, with meetings conducted online. Schools will remain closed on Fridays, online learning will be prioritised, VIP protocol vehicle and helicopter use curtailed, and unnecessary events and official dinners banned. Diesel supply for wheat harvesting will continue uninterrupted, and the government will monitor fuel stations to prevent hoarding.
The Punjab government, led by CM Maryam Nawaz, announced a 50 percent reduction in petrol and diesel allowances for official vehicles, suspended free petrol for provincial ministers, and restricted protocol vehicle use to one extra car per official for security purposes. A partial work-from-home model is being implemented for government offices, with only essential staff attending in person. Educational institutions will remain closed from March 10 to March 31, with online classes continuing and examinations proceeding as scheduled. The Horse and Cattle Show 2026, scheduled for March 28, has been postponed. The government will establish district petroleum monitoring committees and a track-and-trace system for petroleum products, while urging the private sector to adopt fuel-saving measures, minimize events, and monitor transport fares.
In Balochistan, all public intermediate, degree, technical colleges, and universities will remain closed from March 9 to March 23. Essential activities, including ongoing school enrollment campaigns, the digital census of schools, and examinations, will continue. The move is aimed at maintaining administrative preparedness, easing public mobility constraints, and ensuring fuel conservation.
All three provinces stressed that fuel use should be restricted to essential duties, emergency operations, and unavoidable fieldwork. Officials said the measures are intended to protect the economy and ensure energy availability without placing additional burden on citizens during the ongoing crisis.
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