Govt considering ‘smart lockdown’ amid rising petroleum prices

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering a “smart lockdown” aimed at reducing fuel consumption and easing the impact of rising petroleum prices, officials sources said on Tuesday.

The proposals were discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to assess measures for limiting the impact of higher fuel prices, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Under one proposal, government and private offices would operate for four days a week, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday designated as holidays to reduce commuting and fuel consumption.

The government is also considering a rotational working system for public-sector employees as well as expanding work-from-home arrangements, the sources said.

Government vehicles

The meeting also considered grounding 50 per cent of government vehicles as part of efforts to cut fuel expenditure.

Officials discussed measures to restrict the use of official vehicles and reduce the government’s petroleum bill.

Markets and business hours

Another proposal under consideration is to keep markets closed for three days a week and reduce operating hours for commercial centres, according to the sources.

The measures are aimed at reducing pressure on the national exchequer and limiting the impact of higher fuel costs on consumers.

A final decision on the proposed measures is expected on Tuesday evening, the sources said.

Pakistan had introduced similar fuel-conservation measures in March 2026 following a rise in petroleum prices, including reduced working days and work-from-home arrangements for offices and educational institutions, as well as restrictions affecting markets.