Petroleum minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Wednesday that the federal cabinet has approved the resumption of new gas connections across the country and lifted the ban imposed in 2021.
He informed the media about the cabinet decisions, he said the government had responded to a strong public demand by lifting the ban on new connections, according to Associated Press of Pakistan.
He added the cabinet decided to allow new domestic gas connections, especially in newly developed residential areas, where residents were forced to rely on LPG cylinders and alternative fuels.
The Minister assured that both SUI companies had already completed procurement processes for meter and pipelines, and would immediately begin processing pending applications when the official notification was issued.
Existing applicants will also have the opportunity to convert their requests to RLNG-based connections by paying the prescribed security fee to Ogra, he added.
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Malik highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s obligation to facilitate the energy gross of citizens, and said the decision would help reduce household fuel costs and give much needed relief in the midst of inflation.
He explained that although regasified floating natural gas (RLNG) would remain more expensive than domestic natural gas, it would be about 30 to 35 percent cheaper than LPG, thereby facilitating household fuel costs.
“We already have a surplus of RLNG and sufficient electricity availability, but we are working to strengthen the government and sustainability in the sector,” he added.
He further stated that a bidding director for domestic gas exploration had already ended while another would soon quit.
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Malik said that efforts are also being made to attract international companies, including those from Turkiye, China and the United States, for both onshore and offshore investigation.
“By gradually increasing local production, we aim to reduce the dependence on RLNG and give cheaper, originally fuel to the people,” he said.
He repeated the government’s willingness to achieve sustainability in the energy sector, reduce the dependence on expensive imports and gradually change against original fuel resources.
At floods, Malik said the prime minister personally monitored a comprehensive injury assessment in consultation with provinces. The federal government, he assured, would fulfill its responsibility to provide maximum relief to the victims.
