ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reduced speed limits on motorways and national highways as part of fuel conservation measures announced by the government amid a surge in global oil prices, the motorway police said on Thursday.
The move follows a series of austerity steps announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration to cut fuel consumption as the war in Iran disrupts global supply routes and push crude prices higher.
Pakistan, which relies heavily on imported energy, has already raised petrol and diesel prices by about 55 rupees per liter earlier this month, driving up transportation costs.
The new limits also come toward the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when many Pakistanis travel to their hometowns ahead of the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, typically one of the busiest periods for intercity road traffic.
“On the directions of the federal government, the speed limits on motorways and national highways have been reduced to conserve fuel, and an awareness campaign has been launched to inform the public,” Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the Central Region of the motorway police, said in a statement.
