ISLAMABAD: The government is considering reintroducing several measures used during the Covid-19 pandemic — including work-from-home, online classes and car-pooling — to reduce fuel consumption and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

The proposal emerged during a meeting of a cabinet committee formed by the prime minister to monitor petroleum prices amid evolving global tensions. Officials from federal ministries and provincial governments reviewed strategies to manage the economic impact of disruptions in international energy markets.

The deliberations come as conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran entered its sixth day, raising concerns over supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The escalating situation has pushed up shipping, insurance and freight costs, increasing uncertainty in global oil markets.

Officials said the committee will present its recommendations to the prime minister on Friday. After approval, the plan will be forwarded to the cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for formal endorsement.

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Separately, the government has principally decided to introduce weekly petroleum price adjustments starting March 8.

Authorities noted that similar austerity steps were implemented during the Covid-19 crisis to manage financial and foreign exchange pressures. While health restrictions are unlikely, several energy-saving measures could return next week.

Officials maintained that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves but warned that global market volatility and rising logistics costs could put additional strain on the country’s external accounts if tensions persist.