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Monitoring Desk
September 16, 2026
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high level meeting in Islamabad to review the rising prices of petroleum products, wherein several proposals were discussed, including the imposition of a “Petroleum Smart Lockdown” across Pakistan.
According to sources, the meeting decided in principle to implement a smart lockdown specifically targeting petroleum consumption.
Key Proposals Under Consideration
| Proposal | Detail |
|---|---|
| 4-Day Work Week | Government and private offices to operate 4 days a week (Friday, Saturday, Sunday off) |
| Reduced Transport | Limited transportation on the 3-day weekend |
| 50% Official Vehicles Grounded | Half of all government vehicles to be parked |
| Reduced Timings | Shopping malls, markets, hotels, and restaurants to operate for shorter hours |
What is ‘Petroleum Smart Lockdown’?
The proposed smart lockdown aims to significantly reduce fuel consumption across the country by:
- Cutting down commuting days for offices
- Reducing the number of vehicles on the road
- Limiting commercial and leisure activities on weekends
- Enforcing strict fuel conservation measures
Official Vehicles to be Grounded
Under one of the key proposals, 50 percent of government vehicles would be grounded to reduce fuel usage. This follows earlier austerity measures in which 60 percent of government vehicles were already parked and fuel allocations were cut by 50 percent.
Business Timings to be Reduced
The meeting also discussed reducing operating hours for:
- Shopping malls
- Markets and bazaars
- Hotels and restaurants
This is aimed at limiting electricity and fuel consumption while reducing public movement during peak hours.
Announcement Expected Soon
Sources indicate that an official announcement regarding the Petroleum Smart Lockdown is expected shortly, as the government seeks to manage the economic impact of rising global oil prices and the ongoing energy crisis.
The proposals come amid growing pressure on Pakistan’s economy, with petroleum prices continuing to rise due to regional tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
