Markets to close at 8 pm, billboards at 7 pm to save power

The government has cut shopping mall, market and shop hours by an hour as part of a fresh drive to conserve electricity amid mounting pressure on the national power grid, ordering businesses to close by 8pm and illuminated billboards and decorative lighting to be switched off by 7 pm.

The new directive, issued by the Power Division on Wednesday night, will take effect on Thursday, August 13. Under the revised schedule, shopping malls, markets and shops across the country may remain open from 11 am to 8 pm, while fairs, trade fairs and cultural events must also conclude by 8 pm. The directive exempts essential services, including restaurants, hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, pharmacies and suppliers of emergency medicines and medical equipment.

The latest measure rolls back a June decision that had allowed businesses to remain open until 9 pm following demands from traders. The government has also ordered all illuminated billboards and decorative lighting at commercial establishments to be switched off by 7 pm, seeking to curb non-essential electricity consumption during peak evening hours. City corporations, local administrations, business associations and other relevant authorities have been instructed to ensure compliance with the new schedule.

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The move comes amid mounting strain on the national electricity system, with the government repeatedly adjusting commercial operating hours to contain power consumption. By bringing forward the closing time for businesses and restricting decorative and advertising lighting, authorities hope to ease pressure on evening electricity demand and improve supply management. The latest directive underscores the government’s attempt to balance commercial activity with the immediate need to conserve power amid the ongoing energy crisis.