Pakistan Orders Austerity Measures Amid Oil Crisis Linked to Iran War Pakistan has implemented strict austerity and fuel conservation measures in response to a disruption in oil and gas supplies caused by the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran and broader Middle East tensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the measures during a televised address, warning that disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil transit route—have placed the country’s economy at risk. The measures include a four-day workweek for government employees, a two-week school closure, and salary cuts for lawmakers and officials. Schools across the country will remain closed from March 16 to the end of the month, though scheduled examinations will proceed. Universities and higher education institutions are shifting to online classes to conserve fuel. Federal and provincial cabinet members are instructed to forgo their salaries and allowances for two months, while legislators face a 25% reduction in pay. Government officials are restricted to essential travel abroad and must use economy class for trips. All in-person meetings in federal and provincial governments are now conducted online, and fuel allowances for offices have been reduced. Public gatherings are also limited, with weddings and parties capped at 200 guests and restricted to one main dish. The measures aim to curb energy consumption amid a severe fuel shortage. Pakistan’s reliance on imported energy has intensified the crisis, as the country depends on oil imports for over 80% of its needs. Between July 2025 and February 2026, oil imports totaled $10.71 billion, compared to $15 billion in 2024. The recent energy crisis has triggered the highest fuel price surge in Pakistan’s history, with petrol costing $1.15 per litre and diesel at $1.#pakistan #strait_of_hormuz #qatar #shehbaz_sharif #amer_zafar_durrani
