ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced today a complete ban on the use of high-octane fuel in government vehicles.
The decision follows a recent increase of Rs200 per litre in the levy on high-octane fuel, as part of broader efforts to address the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
In this regard, all relevant authorities have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the new policy. The prime minister also instructed that disciplinary action be taken against any government officials found violating the ban.
He further focused on that, if necessary, officials would be required to bear the cost of high-octane fuel from their own personal funds.
The decision comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with the economic impact of rising global oil prices, largely driven by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
These developments have contributed to a growing fuel crisis and increased pressure on national resources.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of conserving fuel in light of the global situation, noting that responsible usage is essential to maintaining economic stability.
He mentioned that the government must take proactive steps to minimize unnecessary expenditure, particularly in the public sector.
In this sense, the government had raised the total levy on high-octane fuel to Rs300 per litre, targeting its use primarily in luxury vehicles.
The move is part of a broader set of austerity measures introduced in recent weeks. These include a 50 percent reduction in fuel allowances for official vehicles, implementation of a four-day work week in public offices, and a work-from-home policy for half of the government workforce, excluding essential services.
The government has also urged citizens to adopt fuel conservation practices to help mitigate the risk of supply disruptions in the coming days.
