Dhaka, April 3 -- The government has decided to cut fuel consumption by 30% for official vehicles used by the Prime Minister, ministers and state ministers as part of sweeping austerity measures to reduce public expenditure amid global energy crisis.

The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday night at the Jatiya Sangsad complex with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair, was disclosed at a press briefing organised by the Cabinet Division on Friday.

As per the decision, fuel use for government vehicles on a monthly basis will be reduced by 30%, while the consumption of energy - electricity and gas - in government offices will also be cut by the same margin.

The government has also suspended all purchases of vehicles,...