In response to potential disruptions in global petroleum supplies triggered by an evolving international crisis, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has announced immediate precautionary steps to curb non-essential fuel consumption across provincial departments.

The Finance Department has issued an official notification imposing a ban on unnecessary official travel and events. Government vehicles are now restricted to essential and unavoidable official duties only. Officials have been directed to avoid using multiple vehicles for the same task and to maximize the use of online platforms for inter-district and internal meetings.

The directive emphasizes strict monitoring of fuel usage in all government offices, limiting it exclusively to emergency and critical operations. All subordinate departments have been instructed to ensure immediate compliance with these guidelines.

This move comes as part of broader national efforts to manage fuel resources prudently amid reports of supply chain strains, rising global crude prices, and regional tensions affecting imports through key routes.

Federal authorities have maintained that domestic petroleum stocks remain adequate for current needs, while urging measures to prevent hoarding and promote conservation at provincial levels.

The provincial administration’s announcement aims to set an example in responsible resource management and reduce pressure on fuel reserves during this uncertain period.

Meanwhile, following the federal government’s massive Rs55 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices, public transport operators have unilaterally increased fares on intercity and intra-provincial routes.

Transporters are now charging arbitrary higher rates from Peshawar to Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and other major cities.