KARACHI – The University of Karachi has decided to conduct all morning classes online in response to the recent surge in petroleum prices. The decision aims to address potential transportation challenges and ensure the convenience of students.
A notification regarding the change, approved by the Vice Chancellor, stated that the morning classes would be held online starting from March 9 and would continue until the end of Ramadan.
The university authorities said the move was necessary to mitigate difficulties faced by the students due to rising fuel costs, which could affect daily commuting.
The administration emphasized that this measure is temporary and would apply only to morning sessions while afternoon and evening classes will continue as scheduled.
PM recieves briefing on ‘work-from-home, online classes’ amid fuel supply concerns
A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a briefing on measures prepared by the Committee to Monitor Petrol Prices in the wake of the emerging situation in the region during the US-Israel war against Iran.
The proposal includes a work-from-home policy and online classes for school and university students to help reduce fuel consumption, amid global oil supply disruptions caused by regional tensions.
The proposal also includes revising petroleum prices on a weekly basis instead of the current fortnightly schedule.
The prime minister is expected to announce a final decision in this regard today (Friday).
A day earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a meeting of the committee to deliberate on the evolving regional and global energy situation and undertook a detailed review of petroleum product stock positions across the country.
Members were briefed that national reserves remain at comfortable levels, with sufficient cover available for key products, and that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding the availability of petroleum products.
The Committee, however, noted that the situation remains fluid and uncertain, requiring sustained vigilance and prudent planning as global supply chains and shipping routes face heightened risk and cost pressures.
A comprehensive briefing was also given on international oil market conditions, including movements in global benchmarks, freight and insurance costs, maritime and routing dynamics, and the risk of supply congestion at key chokepoints. The Committee reviewed multiple supply and pricing scenarios to ensure preparedness under different contingencies and to maintain stability in domestic energy supplies. In this context, the Committee noted that “war premium” dynamics and intensified competition for energy cargoes particularly in Asian markets could raise external account pressures if volatility persists.
