NewKerala.com

Pakistan Orders 8 PM Market Closures Nationwide Amid Deepening Fuel Crisis

The Pakistani government has ordered markets and shopping malls to close by 8 pm across most of the country as an energy conservation measure. The directive, issued after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also requires restaurants and wedding halls to close by 10 pm. The move is a response to soaring global fuel prices exacerbated by the ongoing Middle East conflict, which has disrupted key shipping routes. The government has simultaneously rolled out broader austerity measures, including temporary fuel price cuts and proposed reductions in government spending.

Key Points: Pakistan Markets to Shut by 8 PM as Fuel Crisis Worsens

  • Markets to close at 8 pm in most provinces
  • Bakeries, restaurants must shut by 10 pm
  • Fuel prices have surged sharply in recent weeks
  • Austerity measures include a proposed four-day workweek
  • Crisis linked to Middle East conflict disrupting supply
2 min read

Markets, Malls to shut by 8 pm in Pakistan as fuel crisis deepens

Pakistan mandates early closure of markets and malls to conserve energy amid soaring fuel prices linked to Middle East conflict and supply disruptions.

"The decision was taken during a meeting on petroleum products chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif - Geo News"

Islamabad, April 7

The Pakistan government has ordered the early closure of markets and shopping malls across most parts of the country from 8 pm starting April 7, as part of energy conservation measures in response to rising global fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Geo News reported.

The decision was taken during a meeting on petroleum products chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, as reported by Geo News.

As per the directive, markets, shopping malls, departmental stores and shops dealing in daily-use items in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Pakistan- occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will shut operations at 8 pm. However, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, markets in divisional headquarters may remain open until 9 pm.

The government further announced that bakeries, restaurants, tandoors, food outlets and marriage halls will close by 10 pm. Wedding events at private residences will also not be allowed beyond the same time limit.

Medical stores and pharmacies have been exempted from these restrictions.

The measures come amid Pakistan's efforts to cope with escalating global oil and energy prices, triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted supply chains.

Earlier, provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan had already directed early closures of markets, restaurants and wedding halls under similar energy-saving initiatives, Geo News reported.

The conflict, which began on February 28 following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, has intensified tensions in the Gulf region. In retaliation, Iran targeted US bases and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.

Amid these developments, Pakistan has witnessed sharp increases in fuel prices. On March 6, the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 55 per litre each. Subsequently, on April 2, petrol prices surged to Rs 458.41 per litre and diesel to Rs 520.35 per litre, Geo News reported.

However, a day later, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a temporary reduction in petrol prices to Rs 378 per litre for one month by cutting the petroleum levy.

The government has also introduced broader austerity measures, including a proposed four-day workweek, a reduction in fuel allowances and a 20 per cent cut in expenditures across government departments, aimed at managing the economic impact of the crisis.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the measures. The free intercity transport for a month in some areas is a thoughtful relief step amidst the austerity. Hope the common people aren't bearing the brunt too harshly.
A
Ananya R
Petrol at Rs 520 per litre! 😳 That's almost double our prices. Makes you appreciate our government's management of fuel prices, even though we complain about them daily. Stay strong, neighbours.
V
Vikram M
While the situation is tough, shutting markets by 8 pm will hit small businesses and daily wage earners the hardest. The economic ripple effect will be severe. Hope they have a solid plan for recovery.
K
Karthik V
A four-day workweek is being proposed? That's actually something we could consider in India for energy saving, not just during crises. Could boost productivity and work-life balance if implemented well.
P
Priya S
The exemption for medical stores is crucial. Basic necessities and healthcare should never be compromised, no matter the crisis. A sensible move in a difficult set of decisions.
M
Michael C
It's a sobering economic picture. The Strait of Hormuz disruption shows how fragile global supply chains are. This will affect all oil-importing nations in the region, not just Pakistan.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50