Huge News for Gas Connection Seekers: Ban Finally Lifted

Huge News for Gas Connection Seekers: Ban Finally Lifted

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has decided to lift the long-standing ban on new gas connections across the country, However, consumers will now be provided with expensive gas based on imported LNG, which is linked to the international market and dollar fluctuations. According to sources, a summary has been sent to the Prime Minister for approval, after which it will be possible to issue new connections for the first time since 2019. But the applicants will have to give an affidavit on stamp paper, in which they will pledge not to challenge the gas prices in court. According to a senior official, the payment will be in Pakistani rupees, but the price will be determined on the basis of the dollar and the world market, meaning prices will remain volatile. The government will neither provide subsidies nor provide any protection on prices. New connections will be given only to those applicants who meet the criteria set by the federal government. The cost of a domestic connection, which was around Rs 4,000 during the ban, can now go up to Rs 40,000. The decision has been taken due to the closure of local gas fields in the country and a reduction in gas supply to industry, which has made additional gas available.