LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday imposed an immediate ban on the use of high-octane fuel in government vehicles.
The decision comes in continuation of the recent increase in petroleum levy on high-octane fuel and is aimed at reducing unnecessary government expenditures.
According to the directive, all federal ministries, departments, authorities and subordinate institutions have been instructed to implement the decision immediately and ensure full compliance.
The PM stated that if the use of high-octane fuel becomes unavoidable for any official vehicle, the concerned officer or user will have to bear the expense personally, as the use of high-octane at government expense has been strictly prohibited.
Also read: PL on high-octane fuel hiked by Rs200/litre
The move is part of a broader cost-cutting policy already in force, under which fuel consumption for government vehicles has been reduced by 50 percent, while nearly 60 percent of official vehicles have already been grounded.
The government said savings generated through these measures are being utilized to provide relief to the public and support the availability of cheaper fuel.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that strict adherence to austerity measures and reduction in avoidable expenditures is essential under current economic conditions. He also directed relevant authorities to establish an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure implementation of the order and warned that strict action would be taken against any violation.
Comments