Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Radio Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the opening of new gas connections for private consumers.
He was addressing a ceremony in connection with the resumption of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to private consumers in Islamabad on Sunday.
He said the government took the decision in response to longstanding public demand.
The Prime Minister recalled that in 2022 there was enormous public pressure for gas connections, but the government faced challenges.
He emphasized that with this landmark decision, the public will now have access to high quality fuel at an affordable price.
In a video message played during the ceremony, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government is committed to provide maximum facilities to the public.
He said Sui Northern Gas Company earned a profit of Rs29 billion during the last financial year.
Read: The government is paving the way for new RLNG connections
Earlier, Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed a comprehensive rollout plan to provide Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to private consumers.
To ensure effective supervision and timely execution of this massive public welfare project, the Minister directed the immediate establishment of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) at both SNGPL and SSGCL.
These offices, he said, will be responsible for closely monitoring the entire process, from application to linkage, to ensure that targets are met and that any public complaints are dealt with promptly.
In a big relief to consumers who have been waiting for connections, it was also decided that applicants who have already paid for a demand note can now submit the difference amount along with the security fee to become eligible for an RLNG connection under this new initiative.
During the meeting, the managing directors of SNGPL and SSGCL presented a detailed strategy for effective implementation of the government’s directive, a press release said.
They informed the minister that an ambitious target will be set to deliver new RLNG domestic connections within the first year.
To ensure maximum public facilitation and transparency, the application process for the connections will be significantly streamlined.
Consumers will be able to apply online through Sui companies’ official websites and mobile applications, in addition to the traditional method of applying at their local offices.
The minister directed the management of both gas utilities to formulate a robust and consumer-friendly mechanism to ensure hassle-free facilitation of the public.
He emphasized that this initiative is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s priority to meet the growing public demand for clean and affordable energy.
“This step is being taken to meet the public’s long-standing demand for provision of new domestic gas connections,” the minister said.
