Pakistan orders early market closure as energy costs rise amid US-Iran conflict (Image credit: ANI)

Authorities have imposed early closing hours for businesses in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad in an effort to curb energy consumption amid rising fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Under the revised schedule, markets, shops and shopping malls will now have to close by 8 pm, while restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and other food shops can remain open till 10 pm. The new rules came into effect as part of a broader austerity drive.New times announcedIslamabad district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon announced the revised business hours on social media.“District Administration Islamabad has implemented revised business operating hours as part of the ongoing austerity measures, effective from today (June 1, 2026),” the administration said in a post on Twitter.Officials clarified that marriage halls, mandaps and other event venues should also be closed by 10 pm. However, essential services including hospitals, pharmacies, petrol pumps, dairy shops, sports facilities, call centers and IT firms serving international customers are exempted from the restrictions.These measures also apply to events and gatherings held on private properties.Energy costs trigger austerity measuresThe sanctions were first imposed in March after the Iran-linked conflict disrupted regional energy markets and sent fuel prices soaring.Islamabad responded by implementing power-saving measures, including reducing business hours, to reduce power consumption and ease pressure on public finances.Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on imported fuel, has been particularly sensitive to fluctuations in global energy prices.effect of Strait of Hormuz crisisThe ongoing conflict has disrupted supplies through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.The disruption has increased transportation costs and put pressure on energy-importing economies across Asia.The move is expected to face opposition from traders and business owners, many of whom argue that the evening hours account for a significant portion of daily sales.