Punjab Considers Extending School Holidays and Fuel Rationing Amid Energy Concerns
By Sadia Khan :
The Punjab government is considering a range of measures, including extending school holidays and limiting market operating hours, as it seeks to address a potential energy crisis linked to global fuel supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.
Sources told that the Punjab Energy Department has submitted a set of recommendations to provincial authorities aimed at conserving fuel and managing limited energy resources.
The proposals come as Pakistan faces rising petroleum prices and supply pressures amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil flows and affected key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz.
Proposed Energy-Saving Measures
Among the key suggestions is an extension of school holidays until 15 April. Educational institutions in Punjab are currently closed until 31 March. Officials have also proposed introducing a hybrid learning system to reduce electricity consumption once schools reopen.
The department has further recommended implementing a fuel rationing mechanism similar to measures being considered at the federal level. This could include a coupon-based or digital system to ensure the controlled distribution of petrol and diesel.
Another proposal involves restricting fuel sales to vehicles on specific days as part of broader rationing efforts.
Work-From-Home and Event Restrictions
To reduce energy use, authorities are also considering stricter work-from-home policies for private sector organisations. A ban on non-essential public events has been proposed as part of the conservation strategy.
Officials have suggested expanding metro and bus services to encourage greater use of public transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Limits on Lighting and Market Hours
Additional recommendations include turning off LED billboards and decorative lighting across cities, as well as operating streetlights in alternate modes after 10pm.
Sources say further restrictions on market operating hours are also under review as part of the broader plan to cut energy consumption.
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