Islamabad: The government in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province announced on Tuesday that it would close schools from Mar. 16-31 and implement new austerity measures such as slashing fuel for government vehicles, as Islamabad aims to conserve fuel amid rising instability in the Middle East. 

The development takes place a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced austerity measures by the federal government on Monday. These measures include a four-day work week for offices and the government slashing its expenditures. The prime minister said all schools will be closed for two weeks, urging higher education institutions to shift classes online.

Pakistan is scrambling to take these measures as global fuel supply lines remain disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies nearly a fourth of world oil consumption, after Tehran blocked it following US-Israeli strikes against it and counterattacks against US military bases in the Gulf.

“Schools will observe spring holidays from Mar. 16-31,” Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told reporters during a press conference. “While colleges and universities will shift classes online.”

The minister clarified that tests scheduled by schools would be held on time and not delayed due to the closures. 

Memon shared that ministers in Sindh will not draw salaries and allowances for April, May and June as part of the province’s austerity measures. 

He said the Sindh cabinet has also decided to slash fuel for government vehicles by half, adding that the measure was expected to save $960 million. 

The minister further said that the cabinet has decided to cut down unnecessary expenditures by 20 percent, such as furniture procurement or buying new vehicles, which is expected to save Rs12 billion [$42.9 million]. 

He said all official travel by government officials will be undertaken in the economy class, while refreshments will also not be available in government offices for the next two months. Memon said that if any employee wishes to consume water or other items personally, they may do so at their own expense.

The minister said that Sindh ministers will work from home on Fridays rather than observe a holiday. 

Pakistani authorities have said the country has “comfortable levels” of petroleum stocks and the supply chains were functioning smoothly, despite the intensifying Middle East conflict.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said three oil shipments were due to reach Pakistan this week, state media had earlier reported.