Pakistan is preparing a national contingency strategy that may introduce distance learning and work-from-home policies to conserve fuel as fears grow over possible oil supply disruptions caused by the escalating Middle East conflict.
The proposed measures were discussed during a meeting of a cabinet committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to monitor petrol prices and assess the potential impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s energy supply.
According to officials, the national action plan was developed in consultation with provincial governments and relevant federal ministries to ensure the country is prepared for any disruption in global oil shipments.
Sources said the plan will be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday. After his approval, it will be forwarded to the Economic Coordination Committee of the federal cabinet for formal clearance before implementation.
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Several high-level meetings are scheduled on Friday due to the urgency of the situation. These include sessions of the monitoring committee, the prime minister’s review meeting, and the Economic Coordination Committee.
The cabinet committee meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, where officials reviewed fuel conservation strategies and contingency planning in case global oil supplies are affected by the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
Government representatives from the provinces pointed out that similar fuel-saving policies were successfully adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work and online education significantly reduced transportation and fuel consumption across the country.
Sources further revealed that the proposed contingency plan has also been discussed with the International Monetary Fund as part of Pakistan’s broader economic coordination and risk-management efforts.
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If approved, the measures could lead to widespread work-from-home arrangements in offices and expanded online education in schools and universities.
The goal is to reduce fuel demand, manage petrol consumption, and protect Pakistan’s energy supply chain if the Middle East conflict disrupts global oil routes.
Officials said the government is closely monitoring developments in the region, as any escalation could significantly impact international oil markets and fuel availability in Pakistan.
