Punjab considers extending school holidays till April 15th, ‘work from home’ and early market closures on the cards, sources reveal

LAHORE: The Punjab government is considering a fresh set of measures aimed at reducing energy consumption as pressure mounts from a growing fuel crisis linked to global supply disruptions. Officials are reviewing options such as extending school holidays and shortening market operating hours to manage the situation more effectively.

According to sources, the Punjab Energy Department has submitted a detailed set of recommendations to provincial authorities. These include introducing fuel rationing measures similar to those proposed at the federal level, as Pakistan faces rising petroleum costs and tightening supplies due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in key oil shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

One of the central proposals suggests extending school holidays until April 15. Authorities are also exploring a shift toward a hybrid education model, allowing a mix of in-person and remote learning to help reduce overall energy usage. Schools are currently scheduled to remain closed until March 31.

To ensure fair distribution of fuel, officials have recommended implementing a coupon-based or digital rationing system. There is also a proposal to limit fuel availability for vehicles on designated days as part of broader conservation efforts.

Additional measures under consideration include enforcing work-from-home policies for private sector organisations and placing a ban on non-essential events to cut down on energy demand.

Authorities have also been advised to expand public transport services, including metro and bus networks, to provide viable alternatives to private vehicle use. Other energy-saving steps being reviewed include switching off LED billboards and decorative lighting, as well as reducing streetlight usage after 10pm through alternate operation.

Further restrictions on market hours are also being examined as part of the wider plan to manage energy resources more efficiently.