Pakistan resumes new household gas connections after four-year ban
“Government restarts new RLNG household connections nationwide.”
Key points
- Government restarts new RLNG household connections nationwide.
- Move ends a ban imposed in 2021 amid dwindling local gas reserves.
- PM says upgrades and funding make expanded service feasible.
- Energy minister cites lower losses and improved utility finances.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally launched the provision of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers, ending a four-year halt on new household gas hookups. He framed the move as a response to persistent public demand and an effort to ease daily living costs.
The government had blocked fresh connections in 2021 amid falling indigenous gas production, forcing many families to rely on pricier liquefied petroleum gas for cooking and heating. Shehbaz said funding and infrastructure upgrades now allow distribution companies to serve a large backlog of applicants.
At the Islamabad ceremony—attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, cabinet members, senior officials and SNGPL representatives—the premier congratulated allied parties and called for renewed focus on economic recovery. Energy Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said SNGPL had reduced system losses to 4.93% and posted a Rs29 billion profit last year.
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