Islamabad, March 24, 2026 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has imposed an immediate ban on the use of high-octane petrol in government vehicles as part of sweeping austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel expenditures amid the ongoing energy crisis.
According to an official directive, all federal ministries, divisions, departments, and subordinate institutions have been instructed to strictly comply with the decision. The move follows the recent increase in petroleum levy on high-octane fuel and is designed to curb unnecessary government spending.
Under the new policy, the use of high-octane fuel at the government’s expense has been completely prohibited. Officials have been warned that in exceptional cases where the use of such fuel becomes unavoidable, the cost will have to be borne personally by the concerned officer or user.
The decision is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy being implemented by the government. As part of these efforts, fuel consumption for official vehicles has already been reduced by 50 percent, while nearly 60 percent of government vehicles have been taken off the roads.
Authorities said the savings generated through these austerity measures will be redirected toward public relief and ensuring the availability of affordable fuel for citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that strict adherence to these policies is crucial given the current economic challenges. He also directed relevant departments to establish an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, warning that violations of the directive would result in strict disciplinary action.
The move underscores the government’s push to manage rising fuel costs and maintain fiscal discipline during a period of economic strain.