The federal government has reintroduced austerity measures to reduce fuel consumption and public spending amid concerns over the regional situation and potential pressure on petroleum supplies.

Under a new Cabinet Division notification, government departments have been instructed to cut fuel consumption by official vehicles by 50 percent.

The government has also ordered a 5 percent reduction in budgetary spending, excluding employees’ salaries and allowances.

The purchase of new vehicles by federal government departments has also been prohibited, except for development projects.

The government has further imposed a three-month ban on foreign visits by officials.

In unavoidable cases, federal ministers and government officers may travel abroad, but they must travel in economy class.

The Cabinet Division has also maintained its earlier directive regarding the closure of shops and businesses issued on June 19.

The measures come as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to travel to the United Kingdom and the United States.