ISLAMABAD: In a major policy shift, the government is likely to close petrol pumps across the country for one day in a week to discourage oil consumption in the country. Also, the Pakistan Standard Time would continue to remain one hour ahead even after August under the energy conservation plan.
“Yes, the government is actively considering closure of petrol pumps for one day in a week with a view to reduce the burgeoning oil import that touched the new high of over $12 billion in the last fiscal year 2007-08,” a senior government official told media. This really piled up tremendous pressure on the economy, which resulted in an unprecedented $14 billion current account deficit (CAD) in the last fiscal.
The sources claim that the government also wants to initiate rationing of petroleum products mainly to reduce the oil consumption in the country. Under the plan, the consumers will not be allowed to purchase diesel and petrol more than 15 to 20 litres in one go from one petrol pump to run their vehicles.
“This will also help reduce the escalating oil import that has posed a real danger to handling the twin deficits (the current account deficit and the fiscal deficit),” the official said. The government is also considering two public holidays in a week across the country to minimise the use of oil in the country. When contacted, GA Sabri, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, told media the government was considering closure of petrol pumps for one day in a week.
However, the proposal of POL products` rationing had not been agreed upon, he added. Sabri said he opposed the proposal of rationing of petroleum products, arguing it would trigger chaos in the country, which did not suit both the oil industry and consumers.
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