New Gas Connections to Stay Banned Indefinitely

Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has indefinitely banned the issuance of new domestic gas connections, amid escalating gas shortages as the winter season commences. The ban, imposed by the Ministry of Petroleum, also prohibits other connections such as commercial ones for tandoors and hotels, effective this month. Despite paying a mandatory fee, thousands of consumers remain without connections.

The disruption in regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supplies is exacerbating the existing shortfall in the current system, making it challenging to serve even existing domestic consumers. Winter demand has surged, further complicating the situation. SNGPL officials attribute the ban to the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, suggesting connections may only resume once the war ends.

The government initially halted new gas connections in April due to the same RLNG disruption. For households relying on LPG as an alternative to piped gas, prices are escalating. The official price per 11.8-kg domestic cylinder is Rs. 3,470.09 for November, but market rates in major cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad hover around Rs.

600 per kg, effectively doubling the cost. A family utilizing two cylinders monthly would spend approximately Rs. 14,160 at market rates, compared to Rs. 6,940 at the official rate. The government is currently evaluating LPG policy in response to the rising prices. Consumers who have already paid the urgent fee are uncertain about when their connections will be restored, as it hinges on the improvement of gas supplies.