The federal government has extended fuel conservation and austerity measures that were set to expire on June 13 until June 30, while also relaxing operating hours for essential retail outlets. The decision aims to balance energy-saving goals with public convenience during the ongoing summer season.
In a key adjustment, standalone grocery and kiryana stores are now allowed to remain open until 10 pm throughout the week, including weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The revised timings are intended to improve access to essential goods while maintaining the broader framework of energy conservation measures.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Officials reviewed current policies and assessed public needs before finalizing the updated schedule.
Previously, the government had already relaxed business hours earlier in June due to rising temperatures and longer daylight hours. Under those adjustments, markets and shopping malls were allowed to operate until 9 pm, while restaurants and food outlets were permitted to stay open until 11 pm, reflecting seasonal demand patterns.
Initially, the conservation policy was introduced in March across multiple regions including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The measures included earlier shop closures, an additional weekly holiday for government offices, and cuts in official fuel allocations to reduce national consumption.
Furthermore, restrictions were briefly eased before Eid but reinstated from April 1 as energy management concerns persisted. Officials also noted multiple increases in petroleum prices during this period, attributing them to rising global oil rates and efforts to ensure stable fuel supply across the country.