Pakistan halts new domestic gas connections

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has reportedly suspended new domestic gas connections following a major disruption in RLNG supply, leaving thousands of applicants in uncertainty and raising concerns over worsening energy shortages across the country.

According to reports, not only have new applications been halted, but even pending cases, including applicants who had submitted demand notices and urgent payments have also been put on hold, effectively freezing the connection process.

After a recent partial resumption of gas connections following years of restrictions, hundreds of new connections had already been installed before the latest supply crisis disrupted operations again.

The impact is already being felt nationwide, with existing consumers facing restricted gas supply hours. Households are struggling to manage daily cooking and heating needs due to reduced availability.

Senior General Manager of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Imran Yousaf, confirmed that the suspension of RLNG supply forced authorities to temporarily stop new connections, adding that the process will resume once supply stabilizes, though no timeline has been provided.

Authorities have also diverted gas from the CNG sector to prioritize power generation, a move aimed at maintaining electricity supply but one that is expected to negatively impact transport and businesses dependent on CNG fuel.

Under the gas load management plan, domestic consumers are being prioritized during cooking hours to reduce hardship, but officials acknowledge that the current supply constraints remain severe.

Energy experts say the situation highlights ongoing structural challenges in Pakistan’s gas sector, with demand far exceeding available supply, creating pressure on both households and industry.