PM Shehbaz Sharif Bans High-Octane for Government Vehicles

PM Shehbaz Sharif Bans High-Octane Fuel for Government Vehicles as part of austerity measures.

Monday, 23 March 2026 | Web Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended the national energy conservation campaign by imposing a ban on the use of high-octane fuel for government vehicles, with immediate effect.

In an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was clarified that the use of high-octane fuel at government expense is strictly prohibited. If any department deems its use unavoidable, the concerned official will be required to purchase the fuel at their own personal expense.

Strict Compliance Ordered

All federal departments, authorities, and subordinate institutions have been directed to ensure immediate and strict compliance with the decision. The primary objective of this measure is to guarantee the most effective, transparent, and responsible utilization of the country’s national resources.

Earlier Austerity Measures

This latest directive builds upon previous austerity measures implemented by the government:

A 50 percent reduction in fuel allocation for government vehicles
60 percent of government vehicles have already been grounded

Savings to Benefit Public

The savings generated from these austerity measures will be utilized to provide relief to the public and ensure the availability of affordable fuel.

The Prime Minister emphasized that strict adherence to the austerity policy and the reduction of unnecessary expenditures is a critical necessity of the present time. He stated that these measures would help decrease government expenses and enable the optimal use of taxpayers’ money.

Broader Conservation Campaign

The ban on high-octane fuel for official vehicles represents the latest step in the government’s broader national conservation campaign. Earlier, the Prime Minister had announced that the government would not increase petrol and diesel prices despite soaring global oil prices, choosing instead to absorb a Rs 24 billion burden to provide relief to citizens.

With Middle East tensions causing global oil prices to skyrocket and the Strait of Hormuz remaining disrupted, the government’s focus on conservation has intensified, reflecting a commitment to prudent fiscal management during challenging times.