The federal government has withdrawn all fuel conservation and austerity measures introduced since 9 March 2026, following approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to an official notification issued by the Cabinet Division.
The rollback comes after a significant reduction in petroleum product prices announced by the government earlier this week.
According to the notification, the decision takes immediate effect and reverses emergency fuel-saving restrictions imposed during the recent regional conflict involving the US and Iran. However, revised market closing timings issued on 3 June and 10 June 2026 will remain unchanged for now.
Existing Closing Timings Stay in Place
Under the current schedule, commercial areas will continue to follow these timings:
- Shops, markets, malls, bazaars, and departmental stores: close at 9:00 PM
- Marriage halls and event venues: close at 10:00 PM
- Restaurants, cafés, eateries, grocery stores, and fruit/vegetable shops: close at 11:00 PM
(takeaway and home delivery services remain exempt)
Several essential and service sectors remain fully exempt, including pharmacies, hospitals, laboratories, bakeries, tandoors, dairy shops, petrol and CNG stations, EV charging points, gyms, sports facilities, IT companies, and call centres.
Restoration of Government Facilities
The government has also restored key administrative relaxations previously suspended under the fuel conservation policy. These include:
- Reinstatement of the Friday weekly holiday
- Full restoration of official fuel allowances for government vehicles
- Withdrawal of restrictions that kept 60% of government vehicles off the road
Officials said earlier austerity measures introduced before 9 March 2026 will continue to remain in force.
