Web Desk: Federal government has approved a package of austerity and fuel-conservation measures aimed at reducing petroleum consumption following a rise in fuel prices.
The Cabinet Division has issued a notification outlining restrictions for government departments, businesses and commercial establishments as part of the measures.
Under the notification, fuel allocations for government institutions, including law enforcement agencies, will be reduced by 50%.
The government has also halted the purchase of new vehicles across federal departments, with the restriction covering all categories of vehicles.
The new measures also impose restrictions on foreign travel by federal cabinet members.
Where overseas travel is considered essential, cabinet members will be required to travel in economy class, according to the notification.
In addition, government departments have been instructed to hold meetings online where possible to help reduce fuel consumption associated with official travel.
The government has also prohibited official dinners, except those arranged for foreign delegations.
Alongside measures targeting government spending and fuel use, authorities have introduced revised operating hours for commercial establishments.
Shops, markets, shopping malls, bazaars, department stores and general stores will be required to close by 9 p.m.
Marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues will be permitted to remain open until 10 p.m.
Restaurants, cafes and food outlets will have a later closing time of 11 p.m. The same deadline applies to fruit and vegetable shops.
Information technology-related businesses have been exempted from the restrictions.
The measures come as higher petroleum prices have increased pressure to curb fuel consumption and reduce government expenditure.
The notification brings together restrictions on official travel, vehicle purchases and government events with shorter operating hours for several categories of businesses.
Authorities have described the wider package as a fuel-saving and austerity initiative, while the revised commercial timings are intended to limit energy and fuel use during later hours.
The measures are expected to affect government operations and the daily schedules of businesses across the country, while exemptions have been provided for selected sectors, including IT-related activities.
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