Govt considers Four-Day Workweek to Save Fuel Resources

ISLAMABAD – The federal government is exploring a four-day workweek and reduced office hours to save energy. This comes amid fears of fuel supply disruptions caused by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

A special committee monitoring petroleum supplies reviewed the proposal in a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Officials said the panel discussed options to reduce petrol, diesel, and LNG consumption during the regional conflict.

Among proposals under consideration are shifting offices to a four-day workweek with shorter hours and moving schools and colleges to online learning, similar to COVID-19 arrangements.

However, committee members disagreed over the speed of implementation. Some favored immediate measures to protect reserves, while others warned sudden restrictions could cause public anxiety and panic buying.

Officials said Pakistan’s current fuel reserves are estimated to last around 25 days. Authorities are exploring demand management strategies and consulting regional suppliers for additional fuel supplies.

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The committee also discussed reducing fuel allowances for government departments and adopting phased conservation measures instead of imposing all restrictions at once. Meanwhile, new petroleum secretary Hamed Yaqub Sheikh was appointed recently.

Despite the uncertainty, officials said fuel stocks remain sufficient, and there is no immediate threat to availability. The committee will finalize recommendations for submission to the prime minister and the Economic Coordination Committee for approval.