LCCI urges business-friendly fuel conservation measures

LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol has urged the government to ensure that any fuel conservation or austerity measures being considered in response to rising international oil prices and foreign exchange pressures should not adversely affect business, trade and industrial activity.

Commenting on reports that the government is weighing the reintroduction of fuel-saving and austerity measures, the LCCI President said that while the business community fully understands the need for prudent resource management during challenging economic circumstances, measures that restrict commercial operations could have serious consequences for economic growth, employment and revenue generation.

According to him, the business community is still adjusting to the reduced business hours that remain in place in many sectors. Further reductions in market and business operating hours would negatively impact trade volumes, retail activity, supply chains and industrial productivity at a time when the economy requires greater momentum rather than additional constraints, Faheem observed.

He said previous restrictions on business timings had resulted in lower customer footfall, disruptions in commercial transactions and increased operational difficulties for traders and industrialists. Any further curtailment of business hours could undermine efforts to stimulate economic activity, reduce tax collection and weaken the confidence of investors and entrepreneurs.

Faheem said alternative conservation measures that do not disrupt productive economic activity should be given priority. Greater emphasis can be placed on energy efficiency, digitization of government operations, reduction in non-development expenditures and improved public sector resource management instead of imposing additional restrictions on businesses.

He further observed that Pakistan’s economic recovery remains fragile and requires sustained support for trade, industry and exports. Policies that inadvertently reduce business activity could slow economic growth, affect employment opportunities and diminish the competitiveness of Pakistani enterprises.

“The business community stands ready to cooperate with the government in addressing national economic challenges, but austerity measures must not come at the cost of trade, industry and economic growth.” Protecting business activity is essential for sustaining jobs, investment, exports and government revenues,” Faheem concluded.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026