ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan on Monday extended its austerity drive and fuel conservation measures until June 13 as diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran remain deadlocked.
The federal government extended the measures amid uncertainty over the Middle East conflict.
The Cabinet Division issued a formal notification to this effect after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the extension on the recommendations of the implementation committee.
The notification says a 50% reduction in fuel supply for official vehicles will remain in place during the extended period.
The government has also decided to keep 60% of government vehicles off the roads as part of the ongoing austerity measures.
The premier first introduced the austerity plan on March 9 days after the government hiked the prices of petrol and diesel by 20%.
Fuel prices surged in the country following oil supply disruption due to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas shipping.
US-Iran deadlock
Iran closed the strait in response to joint attacks by the United States and Israel, which began on February 28 and ended on April 8 following a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire.
Despite the extension in the ceasefire, the two sides remain at odds over proposals for a permanent end to the war.
