Pakistan is reportedly contemplating a smart lockdown to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices and supply disruptions on its energy security. While government officials have denied these reports, emphasizing a focus on relief measures like targeted fuel subsidies for smaller vehicles and a nationwide fuel relief scheme, the country is experiencing significant fuel price hikes. Petrol now costs Rs 384.34 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs 415.83 per litre. The government is under pressure from potential protests organized by the Jamaat-i-Islami party if fuel prices are not reduced.

Pakistan is reportedly contemplating a smart lockdown to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices and supply disruptions on its energy security. While government officials have denied these reports, emphasizing a focus on relief measures like targeted fuel subsidies for smaller vehicles and a nationwide fuel relief scheme, the country is experiencing significant fuel price hikes. Petrol now costs Rs 384.34 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs 415.83 per litre. The government is under pressure from potential protests organized by the Jamaat-i-Islami party if fuel prices are not reduced.

Pakistan is reportedly contemplating a smart lockdown to mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices and supply disruptions on its energy security. While government officials have denied these reports, emphasizing a focus on relief measures like targeted fuel subsidies for smaller vehicles and a nationwide fuel relief scheme, the country is experiencing significant fuel price hikes. Petrol now costs Rs 384.34 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs 415.83 per litre. The government is under pressure from potential protests organized by the Jamaat-i-Islami party if fuel prices are not reduced.

Pakistan is reportedly considering a smart lockdown over concerns about rising global oil prices and supply disruptions pressuring the country’s energy security.

Pakistan minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to review proposals which may introduce a series of measures aimed at cutting transport-related fuel use.

The discussion came after Pakistan raised fuel prices on Tuesday. Petrol in the country now costs Rs 4.10 more, and high-speed diesel prices rose by Rs 6.41.

According to a Petroleum Division notification, Petrol now costs Rs 384.34 per litre, while HSD is priced at Rs 415.83 per litre.

Federal minister for parliamentary affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, however, dismissed the reports that there would be a smart lockdown and denied that the idea was suggested at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

He said the meeting focused on petroleum product prices and measures to provide relief to the people. He said that targeted subsidies were being provided for three months to two-wheelers and vehicles with engine capacity of up to 800cc. Chaudhry said public representatives were being assigned the responsibility of creating awareness among citizens about the facility.

Chaudhry said Islamabad would not be shut down and assured that authorities would ensure the smooth movement of citizens.

A smart lockdown was used during the peak of the US-Iran war. Workdays are reduced to four, and markets are closed early.

Information minister Atta Tarar had indicated that such measures could be brought back it situation worsened.

Climate change minister Musadik Malik said that the government was trying to absorb part of the increase in fuel prices through its fuel relief scheme. The scheme provides petrol subsidies to motorcyclists for upto five litres a week, while car owners get relief upto 10 litre every ten days.

He also rejected reports that a smart lockdown was being discussed.

A fuel subsidy committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar directed that the payment to fuel stations be processed within 2 hours.

The scheme was piloted in Islamabad but will now be rolled out across the country.

The Pakistan government is currently under pressure due to a proposed popular protest being planned by the Jamaat-i-Islami party. They said that there would be nationwide protests if the prices are not reduced.

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