Govt Orders Shops, Markets to Close by 8pm

The government has shortened the operating hours of shops, markets and other commercial establishments as the country grapples with a worsening power crisis and severe load shedding.

Under a new directive issued by the Power Division on Wednesday, shops, markets and commercial establishments will now remain open from 11am to 8pm, instead of the previous 9am–9pm schedule. The revised hours take effect immediately.

The government has also ordered all illuminated billboards and signboards to be switched off by 7pm. Lighting at shops, markets and other commercial establishments must also be turned off by the same time.

The latest measures come amid a sharp deterioration in the country's electricity supply, with load shedding exceeding 3,000MW in recent days due largely to shortages of gas and LNG for power generation.

The restrictions, however, will not apply to fairs, religious programmes, cultural events and other activities where extended operating hours are deemed necessary.

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

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on the operating hours of shops and markets to reduce electricity consumption and ease pressure on the national grid.

The latest decision comes as prolonged load shedding is affecting consumers, particularly in rural areas, while shortages of gas are disrupting power generation and CNG supplies.

Officials hope that shorter operating hours and restrictions on commercial lighting will help reduce electricity demand and ease pressure on the grid.