Pakistan has introduced lockdown-like measures as a worsening fuel and gas crisis puts pressure on the country. The government has imposed restrictions on business hours and foreign travel as rising fuel prices threaten transport, power and gas supplies. Markets will now shut by 9 pm under the latest measures.

Pakistan had earlier tried to avoid repeating the early business closures introduced in April. However, a sharp rise in fuel prices has forced the government to bring back similar restrictions. The crisis has intensified amid the ongoing war in West Asia.

The US-Iran conflict has pushed global oil prices higher, increasing pressure on Pakistan’s energy supply. According to a PTI report, the country faces growing concerns over nationwide gas and power supplies as the fuel crisis deepens.

The impact has also reached consumers, who are already dealing with higher petrol and diesel prices. On Tuesday, the Pakistan government increased the petrol price by PKR 4.10 per litre, making it PKR 384.34 per litre. High-speed diesel became costlier by PKR 6.41 per litre, taking its price to PKR 415.83 per litre.

The government also launched a fuel subsidy from Wednesday to reduce the burden of higher fuel prices. Reuters reported that the subsidy has offered only limited relief so far and vehicle owners are having difficulty accessing the scheme.

Under the programme, vehicle owners must register themselves to receive the subsidy. However, the registration system has reportedly faced technical and operational problems. This has made it difficult for people to complete the process and receive the promised support.

Mohammad Musharraf, a resident of Karachi, said he had spent several days trying to register his motorcycle and ID card number. He struggled to complete the registration despite repeated attempts.

The latest restrictions come as Pakistan tries to manage economic pressure created by rising energy costs. The government is also trying to control fuel consumption as expensive imports put additional strain on the country’s resources.

The new measures are expected to affect businesses and daily activity across the country. The early closure of markets at 9 pm is part of the government’s attempt to reduce energy use during the ongoing crisis.