Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Wednesday that the federal cabinet has approved the resumption of new gas connections throughout the country, raising the ban imposed in 2021.
Inform the media about the decisions of the cabinet, said that the Government had responded to a strong public demand by raising the prohibition of new connections, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
He added that the cabinet decided to allow new domestic gas connections, particularly in recently developed housing areas where residents were forced to trust LPG cylinders and alternative fuels.
The minister assured that both Sui companies had already completed acquisition processes for meters and pipes, and immediately began to process pending applications once the official notification is issued.
Existing applicants would also have the option to convert their requests to RLNG -based connections paying the safety rate prescribed to OGRA, he added.
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Malik, who highlights the commitment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to relieve the energy load for citizens, the decision would help reduce household fuel expenses and provide very necessary relief in the midst of inflation.
He explained that although liquefied natural gas (RLNG) regular would remain more expensive than domestic natural gas, it would be around 30 to 35 percent cheaper than LPG, thus relieving household fuel costs.
“We already have a surplus of RLNG and an adequate availability of electricity, but we are working to strengthen governance and sustainability in the sector,” he added.
In addition, he informed that a round of offers for the exploration of domestic gases had already been completed, while another would finish soon.
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Malik said efforts are also being made to attract international companies, including those of Turkiye, China and the United States, both for exploration on land and on the coast.
“By gradually promoting local production, our goal is to reduce RLNG dependence and provide cheaper indigenous fuel to people,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s determination to achieve sustainability in the energy sector, reduce the dependence of expensive imports and gradually change towards indigenous fuel resources.
In floods, Malik said the prime minister was personally supervising an integral damage assessment in consultation with the provinces. The federal government, he said, would fulfill its responsibility to provide maximum relief to the victims.
