Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced the reopening of new gas connections after a nearly four-year ban, according to the state broadcaster. Radio Pakistan reported.
Its announcement comes less than two months after the federal cabinet decided in September to lift the ban on domestic gas connections and the supply of regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
Speaking on the cabinet’s decision at a post-meeting press conference, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, flanked by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, said Prime Minister Shehbaz decided to lift the ban on new gas connections imposed in 2021, responding to a long-standing public demand.
Addressing a ceremony related to resumption of RLNG connections in Islamabad today, the Prime Minister reiterated that the government’s decision was in response to “long-standing public demand”.
“In 2022, there was immense public pressure to [new] gas connections, but the government faced challenges,” Radio Pakistan quoted him saying. But “with this historic decision, the public will now be able to access affordable, quality fuel,” he added.
“Now, the RLNG will be supplied throughout the country to a large number of applicants,” reports the state APPLICATION quoted him saying.
A video message from Malik was also reportedly played during today’s ceremony, in which the Petroleum Minister said the government was committed to providing maximum facilities to the public.
He added that Sui Northern Gas Company had reduced its line losses to 4.93 percent and made a profit of Rp29 billion in the previous fiscal year.
