Peshawar – The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Monday introduced a comprehensive two-month fuel conservation plan, slashing fuel allowances for official vehicles by an additional 25% as part of broader national efforts to manage energy resources amid the escalating Middle East crisis.
The decision, approved by the provincial cabinet under Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, is a direct response to the global energy crunch triggered by the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to two-year highs.
The Conservation Initiative
According to Shafi Jan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, the cabinet approved a “Fuel Conservation and Responsible Governance Initiative” aimed at drastically reducing consumption.
Key measures include:
- 25% Fuel Cut: A further 25% reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles. Combined with a 25% cut already in place since the COVID-19 pandemic, the total reduction now stands at 50%.
- 50% Work-from-Home: Government offices will implement a 50% work-from-home policy to reduce commuting and office energy use.
- Virtual Meetings: All departmental meetings will be conducted through virtual platforms to eliminate travel.
- VIP Protocol Curbed: The use of vehicles and helicopters under VIP protocol has been significantly limited.
- No More Functions: Unnecessary official ceremonies and government dinners have been banned.
Exemptions and Public Focus
Police, rescue services, and other law enforcement agencies have been exempted from the fuel reduction policy to ensure public safety and emergency response remain uncompromised.
The cabinet also proposed keeping educational institutions closed on Fridays to save fuel, with virtual classes being prioritized. Furthermore, the government will ensure the availability of diesel for farmers during the crucial wheat harvesting season.
CM Afridi: ‘Public Should Not Be Targeted’
Addressing the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stressed that in difficult economic times, the rulers and state institutions must bear the brunt of sacrifices first.
“In Pakistan, the public is always targeted when sacrifices are required. This attitude must change,” CM Afridi asserted.
He directed authorities to implement fuel-saving and economic protection policies without placing an additional burden on the public. He also reviewed the Ehsaas Ramazan Dastarkhwan programme and ordered the establishment of Ehsaas Mazdoor Shelters at divisional headquarters for daily wage laborers.
Ground Realities
The policy shifts come as citizens grapple with the harsh realities of the price hike. On Friday, the government increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre (20%), the first in a series of expected surges.
The impact is already visible:
- Transport Fares: School van operators have raised monthly fees.
- Food Prices: The cost of fruits and vegetables has spiked, with transport costs per trip rising from Rs1,000 to Rs3,000.
- Fuel Disputes: Reports of arguments at petrol pumps have emerged, as attendants refuse to dispense fuel worth less than one litre due to nozzle rate settings.
Monitoring and Enforcement
Jan stated that petrol pumps would be monitored daily, and strict action would be taken against hoarding. The provincial government is committed to ensuring that the crisis is not exploited by profiteers.
