Pakistan Lifts Gas Ban Introduces RLNG Connections
Pakistan Lifts Ban on Domestic Gas Connections, Introduces RLNG-Based Connections
ISLAMABAD — The federal government has announced the lifting of the ban on domestic gas connections, which had been in place since 2021, paving the way for new connections across the country.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, speaking after a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, confirmed that the move addresses a longstanding public demand. He added that the decision comes after both Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) completed all necessary preparations.
Under the new policy, new connections based on imported RLNG (re-gasified liquefied natural gas) will cost 2.5 to 3 times more than those using indigenous natural gas. This is because RLNG tariffs are linked to international crude oil prices.
The issuance of new connections will follow a three-phase process. Consumers who have already submitted demand notices will be given priority. Those paying an urgent fee will be served next, while applicants without any payment will be accommodated in the final phase.
Officials said the policy shift was necessary due to declining local gas reserves and the availability of surplus imported RLNG.
SNGPL and SSGC have been instructed to begin issuing new connections under this plan immediately once the cabinet’s decision is officially notified.
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