The federal cabinet has approved the resumption of new gas connections across Pakistan, ending a nationwide ban in place since 2021.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the step answers a clear public demand and will lower household energy costs in many areas.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the decision to resolve a long-standing issue for families and new housing schemes.
New gas connections resume with RLNG option and safeguards
Domestic connections will restart first, with a focus on newly developed neighbourhoods that have been relying on LPG and other fuels. The minister said both Sui companies have completed procurement of meters and pipelines, so pending applications will be processed as soon as the notification is issued.
However, existing applicants may switch to RLNG by paying the security fee set by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.
Malik noted that RLNG costs more than local natural gas, yet remains about 30 to 35 percent cheaper than LPG, which will ease pressure on household budgets.
Sui firms ready to process backlogs and expand service
The government framed the move as part of a wider effort to improve energy governance and sustainability.
Pakistan already has surplus RLNG and adequate electricity, and a recent bidding round for domestic exploration has closed, with another near completion. Malik said Islamabad is inviting international companies from Türkiye, China, and the United States for onshore and offshore blocks.
The goal is steady growth in local output, a gradual cut in import reliance, and a shift toward indigenous fuels that support stable prices.
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