LAHORE: The government of Pakistan has temporarily suspended all new gas connections across the country. The decision has been taken due to an ongoing gas supply crisis.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Petroleum issued a notification regarding the suspension. The move affects both residential and commercial applicants.
The decision comes shortly after the earlier ban on gas connections was lifted. However, demand increased sharply after the reopening. This created pressure on the system.
The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited received a large number of applications in a short time. Officials said the company was overwhelmed by demand.
Under the fast-track category, nearly 400,000 applications for new gas connections were received by January 15. In addition, around 300,000 applications were submitted under the normal process.
Officials confirmed that the sudden surge in applications made it difficult to manage supply distribution. As a result, the government decided to pause new connections.
The company has also stopped issuing demand notices. This means no new gas connections will be processed for now. Even applicants who paid urgent or regular fees will not receive connections during the suspension period.
Authorities explained that the situation is linked to supply disruptions. They said liquefied natural gas shipments are currently delayed.
The delay is reportedly connected to instability affecting shipping routes in the region. This has impacted the arrival of RLNG cargoes needed to support domestic supply.
Officials said the suspension of gas connections is temporary. They added that the system will resume once supply conditions improve.
The government expects relief once RLNG imports return to normal levels. However, no fixed timeline has been announced for restoration.
Authorities assured the public that the decision is necessary to manage limited resources. They emphasized that priority will be given to existing consumers.
In other news read more about Petroleum Ministry Imposes Ban on New Gas Connections Across Pakistan
The pause on new gas connections is part of broader efforts to stabilize the energy sector. Officials said they are monitoring the situation closely and will update the public when conditions improve.
