The burden of the ongoing energy crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict must be shared by all, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Secretariat, Rahman stressed that collective efforts from the government and people across all sectors are essential to fight the crisis.
“Everyone has to bear a part of this crisis in their own way,” he said in response to a question from journalists. “The situation is so severe that it requires joint participation from all levels of society.”
Addressing concerns about the impact of energy-saving measures on education, including a possible shift to online classes, Rahman acknowledged the growing problem of children’s mobile phone addiction.
“It is true that excessive mobile use is not good, but at the same time, dependence on technology has increased in the current reality,” he said.
He added that rising transportation use for commuting to schools is also being considered as part of broader efforts to reduce energy consumption.
Highlighting austerity measures, Rahman said fuel allocations for cabinet members had already been reduced and were recently cut by an additional 30 percent.
“It is not feasible to operate within this allocation alone; in some cases, fuel has to be purchased with personal funds,” he noted.
He emphasized that energy consumption must be reduced not only in the public sector but also at the personal and institutional levels.
Unnecessary travel and expenditures should be limited, he said, while also cautioning against a complete shutdown of markets and offices to keep the economy running.
“The government is taking decisions for the welfare of the people. We want people to stay well, work, and earn,” Rahman said, adding that increased income would lead to higher VAT and tax revenues, which could be reinvested in public welfare.
To support vulnerable groups, the government is planning to expand social safety net programs, including family cards and farmer cards, he added.
Regarding broader cost-cutting measures, Rahman said some benefits have been temporarily suspended alongside reduced fuel allocations.For instance, car loan facilities for deputy secretary-level officials have been put on hold. However, similar reductions in fuel benefits for the administration and judiciary have not yet been fully implemented, he added.