PM bans high-octane fuel for govt vehicles after levy raised to Rs300 per litre

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has imposed an immediate ban on the use of high-octane fuel in government vehicles, tightening austerity measures following an increase in the petroleum levy from Rs100 to Rs300 per litre, aiming to cut state expenses and redirect savings for public relief, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday. 

Under the new directive, no government department will be allowed to use high-octane fuel at the state’s expense. However, in exceptional cases where the use of such fuel is deemed unavoidable, the concerned officials will have to bear the cost from their own pockets.

The prime minister emphasized that strict compliance must be ensured across all federal ministries, attached departments, authorities, and subordinate offices. He also directed the formulation of an effective monitoring mechanism to oversee implementation, warning of strict action in case of any violations.

The move is aimed at ensuring responsible and efficient utilization of national resources while curbing unnecessary government expenditures.

It is relevant to note that the government had already implemented a 50 percent reduction in fuel usage for official vehicles, alongside grounding 60 percent of the government fleet as part of ongoing austerity measures.

The statement further declared that the savings generated through these steps are being utilized to provide relief to the public by maintaining the affordability of petroleum products.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the need for strict adherence to austerity policies, stating that reducing unnecessary expenditures is a pressing requirement under current economic conditions. He added that the latest measure would further rationalize government spending and improve the use of public resources.