Islamabad, Pakistan – After nearly four years, the Pakistani Government has announced the resumption of new domestic gas connections. The decision, unveiled on Sunday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, directly addresses longstanding concerns from citizens across the nation.
Addressing a Critical public Need
Table of Contents
- 1. Addressing a Critical public Need
- 2. RLNG Supply and Infrastructure Improvements
- 3. The Broader Context of Energy Policy
- 4. Understanding Pakistan’s Gas Supply Challenges
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About Pakistan Gas Connections
- 6. What factors contributed to the years-long suspension of new gas connections in Pakistan?
- 7. Shehbaz Sharif Announces Reopening of New Gas Connections for Domestic Consumers
- 8. New Gas Connection Policy: A detailed Overview
- 9. Understanding the Previous Suspension & Current Rationale
- 10. Eligibility Criteria for New Gas Connections
- 11. Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 12. Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
- 13. Regional Variations: SNGPL vs. SSGC
The announcement follows a federal cabinet decision made in September to lift the ban and facilitate the supply of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG). Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, alongside Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, previously detailed the Prime MinisterS commitment to resolving the issue during a post-meeting press conference.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that the decision was a direct response to mounting public pressure, particularly heightened in 2022 when the government faced significant challenges in meeting demand. He stated that, with this change, citizens will gain access to affordable and reliable fuel sources.
RLNG Supply and Infrastructure Improvements
the resumption of connections will see RLNG supplied nationwide to a large number of applicants. according to official reports, the Sui Northern Gas Company has demonstrated substantial improvements, reducing line losses to 4.93 percent and achieving a profit of Rs29 billion in the previous fiscal year – showcasing enhanced efficiency in the energy sector.
Did You Know? Pakistan’s energy mix relies heavily on imported LNG, making efficient distribution and reduced losses critical for energy security.
| Key Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Ban Duration | Nearly Four Years |
| Sui Northern Gas Line Losses | 4.93% |
| Sui Northern Gas Profit (Previous Fiscal year) | Rs29 Billion |
The Broader Context of Energy Policy
This move comes at a crucial time for Pakistan’s energy landscape. The country has been grappling with energy shortages and rising fuel costs. Lifting the ban represents a significant step towards alleviating these pressures and securing a more stable energy supply for households. Pro Tip: Regularly maintain your gas appliances to optimize efficiency and safety.
Understanding Pakistan’s Gas Supply Challenges
Pakistan’s natural gas reserves are limited,leading to a reliance on imported LNG to meet domestic demand.Fluctuations in global LNG prices and infrastructure limitations have historically contributed to supply disruptions. Government initiatives to explore new domestic resources and improve transmission infrastructure are ongoing, aiming to enhance energy independence and reliability. The resumption of gas connections is part of a broader strategy to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to energy resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pakistan Gas Connections
- What is RLNG? regasified Liquefied Natural Gas is natural gas that has been cooled to liquid form for easy transportation, then warmed back into a gaseous state for distribution.
- How can I apply for a new gas connection? applicants should contact the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) or the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for detailed application procedures.
- Will this affect gas prices? While the resumption of connections aims to improve access,gas prices will continue to be influenced by global market dynamics and government policies.
- What where the reasons for the previous ban on gas connections? The ban was implemented due to shortages in gas supply and the need to manage existing resources effectively.
- What improvements have been made to the gas supply infrastructure? The Sui Northern Gas Company has significantly reduced line losses and increased profitability, indicating improved infrastructure efficiency.
What are your thoughts on the government’s decision to lift the ban on gas connections? Do you believe this will be a lasting solution to the energy challenges facing Pakistan?
What factors contributed to the years-long suspension of new gas connections in Pakistan?
Shehbaz Sharif Announces Reopening of New Gas Connections for Domestic Consumers
New Gas Connection Policy: A detailed Overview
prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently announced the resumption of new gas connections for domestic consumers across Pakistan, a move welcomed by millions who have been waiting for years. This decision addresses a critical need, especially as winter approaches and the demand for natural gas for heating and cooking increases.The reopening of applications aims to alleviate the hardship faced by households without access to this essential utility. This article provides a thorough guide to the new policy, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and associated costs.
Understanding the Previous Suspension & Current Rationale
For several years, new gas connections were suspended due to a combination of factors, including:
* Gas Shortages: Declining domestic gas reserves and increasing demand led to supply constraints.
* Infrastructure Limitations: Existing gas transmission and distribution infrastructure were unable to support a significant increase in connections.
* Financial Constraints: Limited funds hindered expansion projects necessary for new connections.
The current government, recognizing the public’s need, has prioritized addressing these issues. The resumption of connections is coupled with ongoing efforts to increase gas supply through import agreements (like the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline – TAPI) and exploration of new domestic reserves. The decision also reflects a commitment to fulfilling promises made during the election campaign.
Eligibility Criteria for New Gas Connections
To be eligible for a new gas connection, applicants must meet the following criteria:
* Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of the area where they are applying for the connection. Proof of residency (CNIC, domicile certificate, utility bills) will be required.
* Property ownership: Applicants must own the property for which they are applying. Rental properties are generally not eligible,though exceptions might potentially be considered with landlord consent.
* No Existing Connection: Applicants must not already have a gas connection in their name at any other location.
* Compliance with Regulations: The property must comply with all relevant safety and building codes as determined by the Sui northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) or Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), depending on the region.
Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for new gas connections typically involves the following steps:
- Registration: Applicants must first register online through the official SNGPL (for Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan) or SSGC (for Sindh and Balochistan) portals.
- Application Submission: Complete the online application form, providing accurate details about your property and personal facts.
- document Upload: Upload scanned copies of required documents, including:
* CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
* Domicile Certificate
* Property Ownership Documents (Sale Deed, Registry)
* No Objection Certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities (if applicable)
- Fee Payment: Pay the required application fee through designated payment channels (online banking, bank challan).
- Verification & Inspection: SNGPL/SSGC will verify the application and conduct a site inspection to assess the feasibility of the connection.
- Connection Installation: Upon approval, a connection installation date will be scheduled.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
The cost of a new gas connection varies depending on several factors, including:
* Connection Type: Metered or unmetered connections have diffrent costs.Metered connections are generally preferred and more cost-effective in the long run.
* Distance from Main Line: The further the property is from the main gas pipeline, the higher the connection cost.
* Pipe Size: The required pipe size depends on the gas consumption needs of the household.
* Installation Charges: These include the cost of laying the pipeline, installing the meter, and other related expenses.
* Security Deposit: A security deposit is required, which is refundable upon disconnection.
As of late 2025, estimated costs range from PKR 25,000 to PKR 75,000, but it’s crucial to check the latest fee structure on the SNGPL/SSGC websites. Installment plans may be available to ease the financial burden.
Regional Variations: SNGPL vs. SSGC
The process and costs for obtaining a new gas connection differ slightly between SNGPL and
