Shops to remain open till 7pm, urgent letter to all districts

In the context of the fuel crisis, the government has issued new instructions extending the time limit for shops to remain open. The Cabinet Division has sent an urgent letter to all the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Divisional Commissioners of the country in this regard.

The letter sent by the Field Administration Liaison Branch of the Cabinet Division stated that from now on, shopping malls, markets and shops can remain open till 7pm on Monday (April 6). Earlier, this time limit was till 6pm.

The demands of traders have played an important role behind the government's decision. In a meeting with the Prime Minister on April 4, representatives of various business organizations requested to extend the opening hours of shops. In that context, the Prime Minister agreed to extend the time limit.

The letter also said that not only shops but also fairs and cultural programs should follow the same time limit.

Earlier, in a cabinet meeting on April 2, it was decided to keep shops closed after 6pm to deal with the fuel crisis caused by the ongoing war situation in the Middle East.

However, the business organizations requested the government to allow shops to remain open until 8pm. Later, after partially considering that proposal, the time limit was extended by one hour to 7pm.

Those concerned believe that this decision will ensure energy savings on the one hand, and on the other hand, traders will also get some relief.