By Asif Naveed
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the restoration of new domestic gas connections after a three-year suspension, in a significant move to address long-pending consumer demands.
According to Petroleum Division officials, new connections will be offered on imported LNG tariff instead of the subsidized natural gas rate, with implementation expected to start in the upcoming fiscal year.
A demand notice fee of Rs18,000 has been proposed for standard household connections, while urgent connections may cost up to Rs80,000. Officials disclosed that 3.5 million applications for new connections are pending nationwide, many in Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) since 2017.
Out of these, 250,000 applicants had deposited Rs3,000–10,000 as fees, while 4,000 applicants had paid Rs25,000 each for urgent connections. All such applicants will now be required to make additional payments under the revised structure.
For houses between 5 and 10 marlas, the estimated cost of an LNG-based connection will be Rs40,000, while those above 10 marlas must pay Rs23,000 as demand fee and Rs20,000 as security. Connections will only be issued after full payment is made in advance.
The government has also abolished the cap of 100,000 connections per year, with new meters to be installed depending on gas availability. After cabinet approval, gas companies will formally inform consumers about the updated policy.
The decision comes amid growing public pressure and the government’s wider push to reform the energy sector while relying more heavily on imported LNG.
