Pakistan faces surge in fuel use despite austerity steps

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan’s austerity drive to control fuel consumption has failed to produce the desired results, ARY News reported.

Like many countries, the government of Pakistan adopted austerity measures to ensure a steady fuel supply amid the ongoing war by US and Israel against Iran. These steps included weekly school holidays, restrictions on the unnecessary use of government vehicles, and other efforts to reduce fuel consumption across Pakistan.

However, despite these measures, fuel consumption in Pakistan has not declined. According to sources in Ministry of Petroleum, petrol sales increased during the last 15 days of March.

Officials from the ministry have informed the government about the rise in fuel usage. Compared to March last year, diesel consumption has increased by 25 percent, while petrol usage has risen by 18 percent in Pakistan.

The issue was also discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to launch an inquiry in Pakistan.

Following the government’s action, authorities expect major developments, with possible investigations and action against certain petroleum companies operating in the country.

Officials have expressed concern that despite public holidays during Eid and school closures in Pakistan, fuel consumption—particularly of petrol and diesel—has continued to rise, raising questions at the policy level.

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