Monday, 6th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 3rd April 2026, 9:50 AM
In response to mounting global energy pressures triggered by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the government has unveiled a sweeping set of austerity measures aimed at conserving fuel and maintaining economic stability. Central to the initiative is a revised schedule for public and private offices, alongside stricter operating hours for commercial establishments.
Under the new directive, office hours will be reduced by one hour, with operations now running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., instead of the previous 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Banking services will follow a similar adjustment: customer transactions will be conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with all banking operations concluding by 4:00 p.m.
Retail businesses, including shops and shopping centres nationwide, will be required to close by 6:00 p.m. daily, effective from Friday. However, essential services—such as pharmacies, hotels, and fresh produce markets—are exempt from this restriction to ensure uninterrupted access to necessities.
| Sector | Previous Hours | New Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Government & Private Offices | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
| Banking Transactions | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Bank Closing Time | 5:00 p.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
| Shops & Shopping Malls | Until 8:00 p.m.* | By 6:00 p.m. |
*Earlier proposed by traders’ associations; revised by government directive.
The decisions were finalised during a high-level cabinet meeting held on Thursday evening, chaired by Prime Minister Tareq Rahman. The session, which lasted nearly three hours, concluded with a formal briefing by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, who outlined the measures as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy.
The government has introduced a three-month austerity programme to curb public expenditure:
| Category | Reduction/Restriction |
|---|---|
| Purchase of vehicles & IT equipment | Completely suspended |
| Domestic training programmes | Reduced by 50% |
| Foreign training | Suspended until further notice |
| Hospitality expenses (meetings/seminars) | Reduced by 50% |
| Fuel, electricity, and gas usage | Reduced by 30% |
| Travel expenditure | Reduced by 30% |
Additionally, decorative lighting for private events, including weddings and celebrations, has been temporarily prohibited as part of energy-saving efforts.
Separate guidelines for educational institutions are expected from the Ministry of Education starting Sunday. Officials indicated that a blended learning approach is under consideration, combining in-person and online classes to reduce energy consumption while ensuring continuity in education.
One proposal involves alternating schedules—three days of virtual classes and three days of in-person instruction per week. Practical lessons, however, would remain exclusively classroom-based. Teachers would be required to conduct online classes from school premises to maintain academic standards.
Furthermore, the government has approved duty-free import provisions for electric buses to be used by educational institutions, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional fuel. Commercial imports of such vehicles, however, will incur a 20% duty and must meet the condition of being brand new.
These measures follow the reopening of schools after an extended holiday period of nearly 40 days, which included Ramadan and Eid festivities. With energy supply constraints becoming increasingly evident, authorities are prioritising sustainable consumption practices across all sectors.
In addition to these steps, the cabinet also approved amendments to the Public Examinations Act of 1980, expanding its scope to ensure stricter enforcement against examination-related offences.
Officials expressed confidence that these coordinated actions will help stabilise the economy, reduce energy demand, and enhance resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
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