UGDC establishes national presence at Gastech expo

Pakistan has made a historic move by joining Gastech, the world's foremost international energy forum, for the first time in its 54-year existence. Leading this endeavor is the Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC), Pakistan's pioneering private gas supplier. UGDC has established a national presence at the Gastech Exhibition & Conference 2026, which took place at BITEC in Thailand from September 14-17.

The event attracted 7,000 delegates, 50,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibiting companies from 49 countries. SNGPL and SSGC, the two state-owned gas distribution companies, currently hold the gas distribution networks. However, private sector companies are now set to enter the market through joint ventures with foreign companies, including US firms, to offer gas at more affordable rates.

UGDC CEO Ghiyas Paracha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik for opening the gas sector to private entities, which has led to their participation in the Gastech event. He emphasized the company's vision to attract foreign direct investment and establish B2B joint ventures to lower gas prices in Pakistan.

By operating solely on private capital without government subsidies, UGDC aims to create significant revenue for the state through pipeline transit tariffs and taxes. Paracha also outlined plans to combat seasonal supply shortages and pressure fluctuations by engaging in short-term and long-term LNG import deals. Additionally, UGDC aims to construct targeted private pipeline infrastructure for high-volume industrial units and major residential schemes to provide cheaper gas.

The company believes that integrating modern technology, AI optimization, and low-carbon solutions is crucial for Pakistan's long-term energy security. Pakistani Ambassador to Thailand, Sadia Qazi, visited UGDC's exhibit and praised the company for representing Pakistan on the global stage.