Lahore: The Punjab government is considering a range of measures, including extending school holidays and reducing market hours, as part of efforts to tackle a growing energy crisis caused by global fuel supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.
Sources told Geo News on Tuesday that the Punjab Energy Department has submitted recommendations to provincial authorities, suggesting fuel rationing similar to federal government policies to manage limited resources.
Oil Prices Rise as Iran Denies US Talks Amid Gulf Supply Concerns
Key Proposals
- Schools: Holidays could be extended until April 15, with a hybrid learning system introduced to reduce energy consumption. Currently, schools are on break until March 31.
- Fuel Rationing: Plans include a coupon-based or digital system for equitable petrol and diesel distribution, along with limiting vehicle fuel supply on specific days.
- Work-from-Home & Event Restrictions: Private organizations may be instructed to enforce remote work, and non-essential events could be banned.
- Transport & Energy Conservation: Expansion of metro and bus services is proposed to reduce private vehicle use. LED billboards and decorative lighting could be shut off, and streetlights may operate on alternate modes after 10 pm.
- Markets: Further restrictions on operating hours are under review to reduce energy demand.
The proposed measures aim to ease the strain on Punjab’s energy resources amid rising petroleum prices and supply constraints, intensified by disruptions in global oil flows and the closure of strategic shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
