PM Shehbaz removes ban on domestic gas connections

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Managing Director Aamir Tufail has announced that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has lifted the ban on domestic gas connections. He further stated that this year’s target of 300,000 connections will be achieved, and from next year onwards, 600,000 domestic consumers will be provided with gas connections annually.

Approval has also been granted for liquefied natural gas (LNG) connections.

Mr Tufail said, “Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders are 30% more expensive than our LNG supply.” He added that consumers will no longer need to purchase gas cylinders, as gas will be supplied directly through home connections.

Demand notices have been received from nearly 245,000 applicants. Priority will be given to those who have already paid, although consumers can submit an urgent fee to expedite the process.

Previously, LNG was imported solely to fuel the power sector, which has now ceased purchasing LNG.

“While LNG is indeed expensive, it is not unaffordable if used widely,” Mr Tufail explained. The price of LNG has been fixed at Rs3,200 per metric million British thermal units (MMBtu).

To ensure efficient management, monitoring units have been established at SNGPL’s head office and regional offices. Mr Tufail said the lifting of the ban and approval for LNG connections have been made for the convenience of the public.