Shops, markets to remain open from 11am to 8pm amid power crisis

The government has shortened the operating hours of shops, markets and other commercial establishments amid the ongoing power crisis and severe load shedding, ordering them to remain open from 11am to 8pm, instead of the previous 9am–9pm schedule.

According to a notification issued by the Power Division today (12 August), the revised schedule will take effect immediately.

Under an earlier instruction issued on 11 June, shops, markets and commercial establishments were allowed to remain open until 9pm.

The latest decision comes as the country faces a severe electricity shortage, with load shedding exceeding 3,000MW in recent days amid a sharp decline in gas and LNG supplies.

Under the new instruction, all illuminated billboards and signs must be switched off by 7pm. Authorities have also been directed to ensure that all lighting at shops, markets and other commercial establishments is switched off by 7pm.

However, the restrictions will not apply to ongoing fairs, religious programmes, cultural events and other activities where extended operating hours are considered necessary.

The Power Division has asked city corporations, municipalities and district administrations to take necessary measures to enforce the revised schedule.

The government had previously introduced restrictions on shop and market operating hours as part of efforts to reduce electricity consumption.

The latest measure comes as the power crisis has intensified, with rural consumers facing prolonged load shedding and gas shortages disrupting power generation and CNG supplies.

Power Division officials hope the reduced operating hours and restrictions on lighting will help ease pressure on the electricity grid amid the ongoing crisis.