Pakistan Lifts Ban on Domestic Gas Connections, SNGPL to Add 600,000 New Users
The government has lifted the ban on domestic gas connections, announced Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Managing Director Aamir Tufail. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the move to expand household gas supply across the country.
Tufail confirmed that SNGPL will achieve its target of 300,000 new connections this year. Starting next year, the company will provide 600,000 domestic connections annually. The government has also approved liquefied natural gas (LNG) connections for homes.
Cheaper, Convenient Supply for Consumers
Tufail said LPG cylinders cost 30% more than SNGPL’s LNG supply. “Consumers will no longer need to buy cylinders,” he added. “Gas will now reach homes directly through pipelines.”
SNGPL has already received 245,000 demand notices from applicants. Those who have paid will get priority, while others can pay an urgent fee to speed up the process.
Previously, LNG imports mainly fueled the power sector. However, that sector has now stopped purchasing LNG. “LNG is expensive but affordable if used on a large scale,” Tufail explained.
The government has set the LNG price at Rs3,200 per MMBtu to maintain stability and affordability.
Stronger Monitoring and Public Convenience
SNGPL has set up monitoring units at its head office and regional centers to improve efficiency. Tufail said the decision to lift the ban and allow LNG connections aims to make gas supply more convenient for the public.
