Govt cancels all 3 million new gas connection applications

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government has imposed a permanent ban on new residential gas connections using domestic gas supplies.

Reports say that the Petroleum Division has issued a framework to both Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) that has been approved by the federal cabinet, formally halting new connections based on locally sourced gas.

Under the directive, both gas companies have been directed to cancel over 3 million pending applications for new gas connections.

However, under the new framework, gas connections will still be offered — but only through imported gas, and under a new set of nine conditions.

Consumers opting for this service will face higher tariffs, with imported gas costing 70 percent more than local gas.

The framework allows gas companies to provide connections to 50 percent of applicants annually on an immediate connection fee basis. Those who pay this fee will get connections within three months.

Furthermore, households whose connections have been inactive for more than a year will be eligible for reconnection through imported gas under the new policy.

The government has issued new policy guidelines aimed at managing limited energy resources while ensuring transparency and sustainability in gas distribution.