Pakistan’s government has lifted its long-standing ban on new gas connections for domestic use, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said.
The move comes after years of restrictions aimed at managing gas supply. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) reported that handling a large number of applications has become challenging.
Under the Fast Track category, SNGPL has received around 400,000 new applications. About 300,000 applications have been submitted under the normal merit category.
Officials said that nearly 29,000 connections under the Fast Track scheme have already been installed. Additionally, 36,000 connection conversion cases have been addressed, giving consumers updated pre-paid demand notices.
So far, a total of 64,000 new RLNG-based gas connections have been provided to households, according to Sui Gas authorities.
The federal government also confirmed that gas prices will not increase from January 1, 2026. Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik shared this update during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum.
He added that the gas circular debt is no longer rising, though it remains at Rs 3 trillion, including Late Payment Surcharges (LPS). Malik also noted that Qatar has upheld its contract terms despite global energy challenges.
SNGPL officials emphasized that processing new gas connections remains a priority. Authorities are working to ensure timely installation and smooth service for applicants.
The government’s decision to lift the ban aims to improve domestic gas supply and meet growing household demand. Citizens welcomed the move, as many had been waiting years for access to piped gas.
The Fast Track scheme is expected to continue addressing high-demand areas efficiently, while normal applications will be processed in stages to avoid delays.
With these steps, Pakistan hopes to expand gas access and stabilize domestic energy services for consumers nationwide.
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