PM bans use of high-octane fuel in official vehicles to cut costs

LAHORE: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned the use of high-octane fuel in all government vehicles with immediate effect, as part of broader austerity measures aimed at reducing public expenditure.

The decision follows an earlier move to increase the petroleum levy on high-octane fuel, according to an official statement.

Under the new directive, the use of high-octane fuel at government expense has been strictly prohibited. Officials who require the fuel for operational reasons will have to pay for it from their own pockets.

All federal ministries, departments, authorities and subordinate bodies have been instructed to implement the decision immediately.

The government said the move was aimed at ensuring efficient, transparent and responsible use of national resources.

The latest step builds on earlier austerity measures, including a 50 per cent reduction in fuel consumption for official vehicles and grounding of 60 per cent of the government fleet.

Savings generated through these measures will be used to provide relief to the public and help maintain lower fuel prices, the statement said.

Sharif said strict implementation of austerity policies and curbing unnecessary expenditure were essential to reduce government spending and ensure better use of taxpayers’ money.

Authorities have also been directed to establish an effective monitoring mechanism, with strict legal action to be taken against any violations.