Bhubaneswar, March 6 -- Pakistan is considering the reintroduction of COVID-era measures such as mandatory work-from-home policies and online classes as it grapples with a severe energy crisis triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The crisis has emerged after Iran announced restrictions on maritime traffic in the key shipping route amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel military operation against Tehran. According to officials, Islamabad is exploring several emergency steps to curb fuel consumption and manage dwindling energy reserves.

Pakistan currently has petrol and diesel stocks that could last for only about 28 days, crude oil reserves for around 10 days and LPG supplies for approximately 15 days, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurang...