Energy and economic crisis deepened in Pakistan: Market closed at 8 pm, inflation broke its back.

Neighboring country Pakistan is currently going through a serious economic and energy crisis. The global oil crisis caused by the ongoing tension in the Middle East has badly shaken Pakistan’s economy. The situation has become so dire that the government has to take strict steps to save electricity and fuel, which is directly impacting the everyday life and pockets of the common people.

Here are the most important and big points related to this crisis:

Strict order to close the market at 8 pm

To deal with the acute shortage of fuel and electricity, the Government of Pakistan has implemented a new ‘Energy Conservation Plan’.

Markets and Malls: Orders have been given for mandatory closure of all markets and shopping malls in the entire country except Sindh province by 8 pm.

Restaurants and Marriage Halls: Eating places and marriage houses will have to be closed by 10 pm.

Discount: Keeping in mind emergency situations, only medical stores and pharmacies have been kept out of this rule.

Huge jump in transport and freight fares

The fire in prices of petrol and diesel has broken the back of the transport sector. The latest figures of 38 districts of Punjab province are extremely worrying:

Bus Fare: The fares of intercity buses have increased by up to 30%.

Logistics: There has been a huge jump in fares for small trucks carrying goods from 12% to 50% and for large trailers from 13% to 100% (double in Kot Addu).

Passengers decreased: Due to expensive travel, people have stopped non-essential trips. In many districts the number of bus passengers has declined by 10% to 63%. In Muri and Hafizabad, 71% of the buses have gone off the roads.

All-round impact of inflation on food items

The direct impact of expensive transport is visible on people’s plates.

Vegetables and Ration: The prices of essential food items have increased by an average of 25%.

Tomato prices on fire: In districts like Laiya, a huge jump of up to 125% has been recorded in tomato prices.

The only thing of relief is that the supply of goods in the market is normal and the prices of flour are stable at present. However, due to the cost of freight transportation, there is a danger of grain prices increasing in the coming days.

Overall, amidst expensive oil and strict government restrictions, it has become a big challenge for the general public of Pakistan to bear the expenses ranging from transportation to home kitchen.