Federal Cabinet Approves Resumption of New Gas Connections Across Pakistan
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has confirmed that the federal cabinet has approved the restoration of new gas connections nationwide, officially ending the ban that had been in place since 2021.
Government Responds to Public Demand
Speaking at a media briefing alongside Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, the minister said the decision was taken to address strong public demand, particularly from residents of newly developed housing areas who were forced to rely on costly LPG cylinders and alternative fuels.
He assured that both Sui companies have already completed the procurement of meters and pipelines. Once the official notification is issued, the companies will immediately begin processing pending applications.
RLNG-Based Connections Option
Applicants waiting for connections will also have the option to switch to RLNG-based supply by paying the prescribed security fee to OGRA. While RLNG is slightly more expensive than domestic natural gas, the minister explained that it is still 30–35% cheaper than LPG, making it a more affordable option for households.
Energy Sector Reforms
Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to reducing the energy burden on citizens. He said the decision would provide relief to households by lowering fuel expenses amid inflation.
He further revealed that one bidding round for domestic gas exploration has already been completed, with another round set to conclude soon. The government is also working to attract international companies from Türkiye, China, and the United States for both onshore and offshore projects.
Long-Term Sustainability
The petroleum minister reiterated that the government’s goal is to:
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Boost local gas production.
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Reduce dependence on costly fuel imports.
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Strengthen governance and sustainability in the energy sector.
“With surplus RLNG and stable electricity supply, our focus is now on gradually shifting towards indigenous fuel resources to ensure affordable and reliable energy for the people of Pakistan,” he said.
