Banking Hours Rescheduled Nationwide

The government has announced a revised schedule for banking transactions as part of a broader package of cost-saving measures introduced in response to ongoing global energy pressures linked to heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The decision forms part of a wider set of austerity initiatives aimed at reducing operational expenditure across public and private institutions. The adjustment to banking hours was confirmed following a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, 2 April, chaired by the Prime Minister. The information was formally disclosed during a post-meeting briefing by the Cabinet Secretary.

Under the new arrangement, banking transactions across the country will take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. However, banks will remain open until 4:00 pm to allow for the completion of essential administrative and internal operational duties. Officials noted that the revised timetable is intended to improve efficiency while also aligning working hours with national energy conservation priorities.

Previously, banking transactions were conducted from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with institutions typically remaining open until around 6:00 pm for back-office work, documentation processing, and other procedural tasks. The latest revision effectively shifts the start of customer-facing services one hour earlier, while reducing the overall post-transaction operational window.

Authorities believe the change will contribute to reduced energy consumption in the banking sector, particularly in lighting, air conditioning, and electronic system usage during peak hours. The adjustment is also expected to align banking operations more closely with updated government office schedules introduced under the same energy efficiency framework.

Comparison of Banking Timings

Financial sector stakeholders are expected to adjust operational workflows accordingly to ensure uninterrupted customer service and maintain efficiency under the new schedule. Banks are also likely to revise staffing rosters, cash handling procedures, and end-of-day reconciliation processes to accommodate the earlier transaction cut-off time.

Officials emphasised that the measure is part of a coordinated national response to external economic pressures, with further policy adjustments expected if global energy market volatility persists. The government has indicated that such steps are necessary to safeguard economic stability while ensuring essential services continue without disruption.