Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah announced on Tuesday that the provincial government is considering a smart lockdown as part of fuel conservation efforts amid global oil crisis caused by US-Israel war on Iran.
The chief minister, who heads the committee on austerity measures, has held numerous in-person and online meetings daily, he said during a media interaction in Rohri. The fuel consumption allowance for official vehicles has been reduced by 60 per cent, Shah added.
He urged the media to spread awareness about the potential terrifying effects of prolonged war on Iran, including Pakistan, as it would impact energy sector first due to direct link between commodity prices and fuel prices.
The minister called upon citizens to limit their movement and save petrol, oil, and gas. He stated that reducing unnecessary use of such commodities would be beneficial in the long run.
In line with federal government’s austerity drive, Sindh government had earlier this month announced schools across province would go on spring vacation from March 16 to 31, colleges and universities would switch to online classes and government offices work from home on Fridays. The government also limited number of guests at wedding ceremonies or any other party to 200 with one-dish serving.
Before Eidul Fitr holidays last week, the government urged public to adopt fuel-conservation measures to reduce consumption.