ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally terminated all emergency fuel conservation and enhanced austerity measures introduced since March 9 to combat the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict. The rolling back of these restrictions follows the signing of the historic US-Iran peace accord and subsequent plunge in international oil prices.
Most emergency austerity steps introduced during the fuel conservation drive have now been withdrawn after the latest petrol relief, but early market closing hours are still staying in place. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/cHmCERPs3T
— ProPakistani (@ProPakistaniPK) June 20, 2026
Core Policy Structural Updates
- All additional fuel conservation protocols implemented post-March 9 are dismantled.
- Standard market and commercial operating hours remain intact under the June 3 and 10 rules.
- Pre-conflict austerity guidelines issued before March 9 remain legally active.
- Retail shops, malls, restaurants, and wedding halls must adhere to existing closing limits.
Preserving Energy Grid Discipline
According to an official notification from the Cabinet Division, while additional fiscal clamps on government machinery have been dissolved, the state will retain specific market timings to maintain baseline energy conservation.
Retained Commercial Operations Schedule (June 2026)
• Retail & Bazaars: Must adhere to mandated closing limits.
• Dining & Events: Restaurants, cafés, and marriage halls remain restricted.
• Pre-March 9 Rules: Baseline fiscal austerity continues as originally structured.
The administration noted that keeping the strict operational windows for shopping centers and festive events is necessary to stabilize the national power grid, even as overall economic pressures ease.
