Pakistan is considering mandatory work-from-home measures and other fuel conservation steps to manage energy consumption amid the disruption of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposals are part of a national action plan being discussed by a cabinet committee responsible for monitoring petroleum supplies and fuel prices. Provincial chief secretaries have been instructed to attend upcoming meetings to coordinate possible implementation across the country.
Officials say the measures are intended to stabilize domestic fuel markets as diesel shipments, particularly long-term cargoes from Kuwait, remain exposed to Gulf shipping routes. More than one-fifth of global oil cargoes are estimated to be delayed in the strait, tightening vessel availability and increasing freight costs.
Although Pakistan currently holds nearly four weeks of petrol and diesel reserves, authorities are working to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and discourage hoarding. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority has allowed oil marketing companies to temporarily regulate retail fuel supplies based on historical sales patterns to prevent stockpiling during periods of price volatility.
The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, reviewed crude oil and refined fuel inventories along with LNG shipments and cross-border LPG flows. Officials noted that while long-term LNG contracts remain secure, wider maritime disruptions could affect global logistics if tensions continue.
In addition to possible work-from-home directives, policymakers are also evaluating other demand-management steps and exploring alternative supply routes through regional energy hubs, including ports in the Red Sea and other parts of the Gulf region.
Authorities emphasized that there is currently no immediate shortage of petroleum products and urged the public to avoid panic buying. They said coordinated conservation measures and cooperation with provincial governments will be important if international shipping disruptions persist.
