Islamabad, Pakistan – The Federal Cabinet of Pakistan has approved the resumption of new gas connections nationwide, effectively ending a moratorium imposed in 2021. The decision, announced on Wednesday by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz malik, responds to widespread public demand and addresses critical energy needs.
Addressing a Critical Need
Table of Contents
- 1. Addressing a Critical Need
- 2. RLNG as a Viable Alternative
- 3. Emergency declarations: Climate and Agriculture
- 4. Long-Term energy Outlook for Pakistan
- 5. Frequently asked Questions about New Gas Connections
- 6. How does the resumption of gas connections to the fertilizer industry directly address the declared agriculture emergency in Pakistan?
- 7. Cabinet Approves Resumption of New Gas Connections Amid Climate and Agriculture emergency Declarations in Pakistan
- 8. Addressing the Energy Needs During Critical Times
- 9. The Context: climate & Agriculture Emergencies
- 10. Details of the Cabinet Approval: Who is Eligible?
- 11. Application Process & Required Documentation
- 12. Mitigating the Impact on Gas Supply: Long-Term Strategies
- 13. Real-World Example: Fertilizer Industry Impact
For over two years, residents, particularly in newly developed housing areas, have been forced to rely on more expensive alternatives like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders. This created notable financial strain for many Pakistani families. Minister Malik, speaking alongside Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, emphasized the government’s commitment to easing the energy burden on citizens.
Both Sui companies have finished the procurement of necessary meters and pipelines and are prepared to handle pending applications promptly upon the issuance of the official notification. Existing applicants will also have the choice to switch to Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG)-based connections by paying a required security deposit to the oil and Gas Regulatory authority (OGRA).
RLNG as a Viable Alternative
While RLNG remains more costly than traditional natural gas, it presents a considerably cheaper option than LPG – approximately 30-35% less expensive – providing substantial relief to household fuel expenses. The government confirmed it currently has a surplus of RLNG and adequate electricity generation capacity. Efforts are underway to improve governance and sustainability within the energy sector.
The government is actively pursuing increased domestic gas exploration, with one bidding round already completed and another nearing conclusion. Furthermore, the governance is working to attract international investment from countries including Türkiye, China, and the united states for both onshore and offshore exploration initiatives.
| Fuel Source | Approximate Cost (per unit) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Natural Gas | Lowest | Limited & Declining |
| RLNG | Moderate | Sufficient Surplus Currently |
| LPG | Highest | Readily Available |
“By gradually increasing local production, we aim to reduce our dependence on RLNG and provide more affordable, domestically sourced fuel to the people,” stated Minister Malik. The long-term strategy prioritizes sustainability in the energy sector and a shift toward indigenous fuel resources.
Emergency declarations: Climate and Agriculture
In a separate development, the Federal Cabinet declared both a climate and agriculture emergency. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spearheaded the decision to enforce a climate emergency, acknowledging the severe impact of shifting weather patterns on Pakistan.
Minister Chaudhry noted that decades of deforestation and encroachment on natural waterways have exacerbated the flooding situation. A complete report assessing the climatic challenges facing Pakistan is expected from the Climate Minister within 15 days, paving the way for effective strategies to mitigate future devastation.
The declaration of an agriculture emergency aims to evaluate the extent of damage to crops and determine appropriate compensation for affected farmers. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these challenges, the Prime Minister will convene a meeting with all provincial stakeholders, including Chief Ministers, alongside representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad kashmir.
Did You Know? Pakistan is ranked among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing increased risks of droughts, floods, and extreme weather events.
Pro Tip: Conserving energy at home and supporting lasting agricultural practices are crucial steps individuals can take to address climate change and promote a more resilient future.
Long-Term energy Outlook for Pakistan
Pakistan’s energy sector faces significant challenges, including dwindling domestic gas reserves, a growing population, and increasing energy demand. diversifying energy sources, investing in renewable energy technologies, and improving energy efficiency are crucial for ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future. Recent data from the Pakistan Economic Survey indicates a continued reliance on imported energy sources, highlighting the urgency of boosting domestic production and exploring alternative energy solutions. Pakistan Economic survey
Frequently asked Questions about New Gas Connections
What are your thoughts on the government’s decision to lift the ban on gas connections? How will these new policies impact your community?
Share your opinions and comments below!
How does the resumption of gas connections to the fertilizer industry directly address the declared agriculture emergency in Pakistan?
Cabinet Approves Resumption of New Gas Connections Amid Climate and Agriculture emergency Declarations in Pakistan
Addressing the Energy Needs During Critical Times
The Pakistani Cabinet has recently approved the resumption of new gas connections, a move occurring against the backdrop of declared climate and agriculture emergencies. This decision, while seemingly counterintuitive given the national crises, aims to balance essential energy access with the urgent need for lasting practices. The resumption focuses on prioritized sectors and incorporates measures to mitigate potential strain on the existing gas infrastructure. This article details the specifics of the approval, the rationale behind it, and the implications for consumers and industries across Pakistan. We’ll cover eligibility criteria, application processes, and the long-term strategies being considered to ensure energy security.
The Context: climate & Agriculture Emergencies
Pakistan is currently grappling with severe climate change impacts,including devastating floods,prolonged droughts,and unpredictable weather patterns. These events have significantly impacted agricultural yields, leading to food insecurity and economic hardship. The agriculture sector, a cornerstone of the Pakistani economy, has been particularly vulnerable. Simultaneously, the country faces a persistent energy crisis, with gas shortages impacting both domestic and industrial consumers.
Climate Emergency Impacts: Increased frequency of extreme weather events,water scarcity,and reduced crop production.
Agriculture Emergency Impacts: Declining agricultural output, rising food prices, and economic losses for farmers.
Gas Shortages: Intermittent supply disruptions, impacting industries and households.
The government’s declaration of these emergencies underscores the urgency of addressing these interconnected challenges. The resumption of gas connections is presented as a necessary step to support critical sectors, but it’s being implemented with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.
Details of the Cabinet Approval: Who is Eligible?
The resumption isn’t a blanket reopening of applications. The Cabinet has outlined specific categories prioritized for new gas connections:
- Fertilizer industry: Recognizing the critical role of fertilizer in agricultural productivity,the fertilizer industry receives top priority. This aims to boost local fertilizer production and reduce reliance on imports.
- Export-Oriented Industries: Industries contributing significantly to Pakistan’s export earnings are also prioritized. This supports economic growth and foreign exchange reserves. Specifically, textile, leather, and surgical instrument manufacturers are included.
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): smes are vital for job creation and economic diversification. Limited connections will be allocated to qualifying SMEs.
- Domestic Consumers (Limited): A restricted number of connections will be available for domestic consumers, particularly in areas with no existing gas infrastructure.
Eligibility Criteria:
No Outstanding Dues: Applicants must have a clear record with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) or Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).
Compliance with Regulations: Adherence to all relevant safety and environmental regulations is mandatory.
Feasibility Study: A feasibility study demonstrating the viability of the connection and its impact on the local gas network may be required.
Application Process & Required Documentation
The application process for new gas connections will be managed by SNGPL and SSGC. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Online Application: Applications will primarily be accepted online through the respective gas company’s website.
- Document Submission: Required documents include:
National Identity Card (NIC)
Proof of Ownership/Lease agreement
Business Registration Documents (for commercial applicants)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from relevant authorities (were applicable)
Detailed Gas Consumption Plan
- Site Inspection: SNGPL/SSGC will conduct a site inspection to assess the feasibility of the connection.
- Connection Charges: Applicants will be required to pay connection charges, which vary depending on the category and location. Current rates can be found on the SNGPL and SSGC websites.
- Connection Installation: Once approved and charges are paid, the gas company will proceed with the installation of the connection.
Mitigating the Impact on Gas Supply: Long-Term Strategies
The resumption of gas connections raises concerns about exacerbating existing gas shortages. The government is implementing several strategies to mitigate this risk:
Increased LNG Imports: Pakistan is actively seeking to increase its imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to supplement domestic gas supplies.
Exploration & Production: Efforts are underway to boost domestic gas exploration and production. New exploration licenses are being awarded, and existing fields are being optimized.
Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Development: Investment in new gas pipelines and storage facilities is crucial to improve gas transmission and distribution efficiency. The Pakistan-iran gas pipeline project, though facing challenges, remains a long-term objective.
Energy Conservation Measures: Promoting energy conservation and efficiency is a key component of the government’s strategy. This includes incentivizing the use of energy-efficient appliances and promoting energy audits for industries.
Alternative Energy Sources: Diversifying the energy mix by investing in renewable energy sources like solar,wind,and hydropower is essential for long-term energy security.
Real-World Example: Fertilizer Industry Impact
The fertilizer industry’s prioritization is a direct response to the agriculture emergency. In 2
