Govt weighs three-day smart lockdown as fuel prices surge

The federal government is considering a three-day-a-week smart lockdown across the country to reduce fuel consumption amid soaring petroleum prices linked to the US-Iran war. The proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday to review the impact of rising petroleum prices and consider measures to reduce the burden on consumers. Sources said the government was considering a four-day working week for public and private offices, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday proposed as holidays. The plan also includes reducing transport activity and introducing a rotational working system for government employees. The government is also considering grounding 50% of official vehicles, keeping markets closed for three days a week and reducing business hours, sources said. A final decision on the proposed smart lockdown is expected to be announced on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz has announced a Rs100-per-litre petrol relief scheme for motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles up to 800cc. The Economic Coordination Committee has approved the scheme. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said petroleum prices were now being determined on a daily basis due to volatility in the international market. He said relevant sectors had been asked to prepare working schedules to finalise the proposal for three weekly holidays, aimed at significantly reducing fuel, electricity and transport costs. The government on Tuesday increased the price of petrol by Rs4. 42 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs6. 10 per litre, effective September 15. Following the increase, petrol reached a record Rs380. 24 per litre while HSD climbed to Rs409. 42 per litre. Petrol was priced at around Rs266 per litre and diesel at nearly Rs281 per litre in the first week of March. Meanwhile, Brent crude prices have crossed $108 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

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