In a significant policy shift, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the reopening of new domestic gas connections via regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG), ending a four-year ban imposed in 2021 due to acute gas shortages. The launch reflects an effort to address long-standing public demand for access to a reliable household gas supply and unlock infrastructure to support it.
The PM highlighted that while the pipelines and meters were ready earlier, the main hurdle was securing the uninterrupted gas supply. He said that the new connections represent a major milestone in meeting the backlog of hundreds of thousands of pending applications. The initiative sets up a revised system under which households will be able to switch to RLNG-based connections by submitting a security fee determined by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). Though RLNG remains costlier than system-gas, it is still projected to be 30-35% cheaper than liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic use.
Under the plan, both major gas companies, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), will start processing applications for RLNG connections immediately. The government emphasizes that strengthening governance in gas distribution and clearing the backlog are key priorities. The launch not only aims to enhance energy access but also seeks to stabilize the domestic energy sector by reducing reliance on highly priced imported fuels.
This move is expected to bring relief to many Pakistani households long been waiting for gas connections. It also signals a strategic shift in the country’s energy policy—prioritizing cleaner, more efficient fuel options while expanding consumer access.
