Saturday, March 29, 2025
Islamabad: March 20, 2026
The intensifying conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel has triggered a massive fuel crisis in Pakistan. Faced with dwindling oil reserves and major import disruptions, the Shehbaz Sharif government has implemented strict restrictions and regulations across the country, reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has issued stern directives to both the public and government departments to minimize fuel consumption.
In a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was decided that all government offices will now operate only four days a week. Additionally, departments where feasible have been instructed to have 50% of their staff ‘Work from Home’. A direct 50% cut has also been imposed on the petrol allowances of government officials.
Since the war began on February 28, crude oil prices in the international market have shattered all records. Brent crude has seen a 60% surge, reaching $118 per barrel. Drone attacks on oil refineries in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar have severely crippled the supply chain, the direct impact of which is now visible on Pakistan’s economy.
The Pakistani government fears that if the war does not end soon, the country’s petrol and diesel stocks could be completely exhausted. The Prime Minister has appealed to the public to:
Reduce the use of private vehicles.
Adopt carpooling.
Stay prepared for a potential major crisis.
The country’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) is monitoring the situation closely to prevent any internal unrest or chaos arising from the fuel shortage.
Tensions in the region have escalated further following warnings issued to Iran by US President Donald Trump. If the situation does not improve, this energy crisis in Pakistan could take an even more severe turn in the coming days.
