How to apply for new gas connections

ISLAMABAD: The Federal government has opted to simplify the process of applying for the new gas connections, as consumers shall be able to apply via the company websites and mobile apps, as well as the customary approach of applying at their nearest offices.

It was decided during a meeting that was presided over by Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Petroleum, on Friday, to consider the overall roll-out strategy for the supply of RLNG (Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas) connections to local consumers countrywide.

The Secretary Petroleum, Additional Secretary, Director General Gas, representatives of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), and the Managing Directors of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) were present at the meeting.

In the meeting, the Managing Directors of SNGPL and SSGCL tabled a comprehensive plan for effectively implementing the government’s order. They briefed the Minister that an ambitious goal of new RLNG domestic connections would be achieved during the first year.

To provide optimum public facilitation and transparency, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik asked the management of both the gas utilities to develop a strong and consumer-friendly system to facilitate the public uninterruptedly. He mentioned that this project is the utmost priority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to satisfy increasing public demand for cheap and clean energy.

This step is being taken to meet the long-standing public demand for the supply of new domestic gas connections,” the Minister said. “Transitioning to RLNG is not just a switch to energy efficiency but also brings economic relief to households by saving them money. RLNG is about 30% less expensive than LPG and is also a cleaner fuel for use at homes.

For the purpose of ensuring efficient monitoring and timely implementation of this enormous public welfare scheme, the Federal Minister ordered the establishment of a separate Project Management Office (PMO) at SNGPL as well as SSGCL forthwith.

These PMOs will oversee the whole process, starting from application to connection, and ensure that targets are achieved and public grievances are addressed on a priority basis.

In a big relief for consumers who have been waiting for connections, it was also determined that applicants who have already submitted a demand note payment can now pay the differential amount along with the security fee to be eligible for an RLNG connection under this new scheme.

This project is a giant step towards the government’s aim of providing affordable and accessible energy to the people of Pakistan.