Government Weighs Four-Day Workweek as Fuel Supply Risks Rise

The federal government is considering introducing a four-day workweek with reduced office hours as part of a broader set of energy conservation measures, amid concerns about potential fuel supply disruptions triggered by regional tensions affecting oil shipments.

The proposal was discussed during a meeting of a special government committee monitoring petroleum supplies, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, as officials reviewed contingency plans to manage rising global energy prices and possible shortages.

Proposed Energy Conservation Measures

Officials examined multiple options to reduce national fuel consumption, including:

• Introducing a four-day workweek with shorter office hours
• Shifting educational institutions to online learning, similar to measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Reducing fuel allowances for government departments
• Encouraging remote work arrangements where possible

The measures are aimed at lowering demand for petrol, diesel, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), whose prices have surged following geopolitical tensions and supply bottlenecks in global energy markets.

Concerns Over Fuel Supply

Officials warned that Pakistan’s fuel reserves currently cover roughly 25–28 days of national consumption, making careful demand management necessary if global shipping disruptions continue.

The committee reviewed the situation as uncertainty persists around oil shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that has been affected by escalating regional conflict.

At the same time, authorities emphasized that the country currently maintains adequate petroleum stocks, urging the public to avoid panic buying while the government evaluates contingency strategies.

Internal Debate Within Government

While many committee members supported immediate conservation measures, some cautioned against implementing aggressive restrictions too quickly. Officials warned that drastic steps could trigger public anxiety or panic buying of fuel products.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb reportedly suggested adopting a phased approach, gradually introducing measures depending on how global energy markets and regional tensions evolve.

Efforts to Secure Energy Supplies

Alongside conservation planning, the government is also pursuing diplomatic and commercial engagements with key energy suppliers, including Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, to ensure continued crude and refined petroleum shipments through alternative routes if needed.

Officials said oil companies and refineries are also coordinating with international partners to maintain stable fuel supplies and mitigate any disruptions linked to the regional situation.

What Comes Next

The committee is expected to finalise recommendations and present them to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after which the proposals could be submitted to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for formal approval.

If adopted, the four-day workweek and related measures would represent one of the most significant energy conservation steps since the pandemic period, reflecting the government’s effort to manage fuel demand while navigating uncertain global energy markets.