Pakistan is facing heat as its fuel reserves are depleting fast amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the Iran conflict. The government there is mulling bringing back COVID-era-like measures to curb the fuel needs and extend the supply as Iran exercises its right to regulate passage through the Strait of Hormuz during wartime. The government of Pakistan is planning to introduce work-from-home for at least two days a week and shift to online classes to ease fuel requirements in the country.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to ships from the US, Israel, Europe and other Western allies.
For Pakistan, the situation seems dire, as it is left with just 28 days of petrol and diesel stocks and just 10 days of crude oil reserves and LPG supplies for 15 days, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said.
Also Read:How Iran Controls The Strait of Hormuz, A Strategic Sea Passage for Oil and Gas
According to a report by Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning several steps to deal with the situation. These include reviewing petrol prices every week, compensating oil companies for the higher costs of insurance and import premiums, and promoting fuel conservation measures.
The government may also encourage companies to allow employees to work from home for two days every week, with only essential staff coming to offices during this month. Employees could also be encouraged to share rides to reduce fuel use. There is also a possibility that educational institutions may shift to online classes.
The Strait of Hormuz has effectively remained closed since the United States and Israel began their joint military operation against Iran on Saturday. The waterway is extremely important because about one-fifth of all the oil transported by sea around the world passes through it, making it a key route for global energy supplies.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ishaq Dar said he “made Iran understand” that Pakistan’s defence agreement with Saudi Arabia could pull the country into the conflict. However, Pakistan cannot afford another war, especially when it is already dealing with tensions with Afghanistan and its economy is struggling.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow water channel between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, it is about 55 kilometres wide and is considered one of the most important and busiest sea routes in the world, especially for transporting oil.
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