Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the reopening gas connections to domestic consumers on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Islamabad. The decision lifts a ban imposed in 2021 due to gas shortages. It targets Pakistan domestic gas connections resume 2025 through regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supply. The launch addresses long-standing public demands. Officials expect 600,000 new connections annually.
This story matters in South Asia because Pakistan’s energy crisis affects regional stability. Gas shortages have strained households and industries, pushing up costs and migration. The Shehbaz Sharif RLNG household launch could ease burdens in a nation of 240 million, where 40% rely on piped gas. It signals a shift to imported fuels, potentially influencing neighbours like India and Bangladesh facing similar shortages. Success here might inspire cross-border energy pacts, boosting economic ties.
PM Shehbaz Sharif Leads to Reopening Gas Connections Resume 2025
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement during a ceremony in Islamabad. He highlighted public pressure from 2022. “In 2022, there was immense public pressure for new gas connections but the government was facing challenges,” Sharif said. “With this landmark decision, the public will now be able to access affordable and quality fuel.” The federal cabinet approved the lift on September 10, 2025. This ended the moratorium on new domestic links. Connections will use RLNG only. Local gas requests face a permanent ban to preserve reserves.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik attended the event via video. He stressed government commitment. “The government is committed to providing maximum facilities to the public,” Malik stated. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) will handle rollout. Both firms reported readiness. SNGPL started accepting applications on October 1, 2025.
Shehbaz Sharif RLNG Household Launch Details Emerge
The Shehbaz Sharif RLNG household launch focuses on efficiency. RLNG costs 30% less than liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It offers safer use for cooking and heating. A September 19, 2025, meeting set implementation. Minister Malik chaired it. Attendees included Petroleum Secretary and gas utility heads. They outlined online applications. Users can apply via SNGPL and SSGCL websites or apps. Local offices remain open.
The plan eases prior burdens. Applicants with paid demand notes submit differential amounts plus security fees. This qualifies them for RLNG links. Targets aim high. Officials plan 300,000 connections in 2025. From 2026, the pace hits 600,000 yearly. SNGPL showed strong finances. Line losses dropped to 4.93%. Profits reached PKR 29 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. This supports expansion. OGRA regulates tariffs. New fees range from PKR 40,000 to PKR 50,000 per connection. These cover installation and metering.
Background: Four-Year Ban’s Toll on Households
Pakistan imposed the ban in 2021. Depleting indigenous gas fields forced it. Reserves fell below demand. Industries got priority over homes. Public outcry grew. In 2022, protests hit major cities. Families turned to costly LPG cylinders. Prices soared past PKR 3,000 per unit.
The cabinet revisited in September 2025. It relaxed rules for RLNG imports. Pakistan imports 10 million tonnes yearly. This covers 40% of needs. SSGCL and SNGPL backlog exceeds one million applications. The resume prioritises queued users. Economic data backs urgency. Household energy spend averages 15% of income. RLNG cuts this by PKR 500 monthly per home. South Asia watches closely. India’s gas imports rose 10% in 2025. Bangladesh faces blackouts. Pakistan’s model could guide imports via pipelines.
Implementation Challenges in Pakistan Domestic Gas Connections Resume 2025
Rollout needs infrastructure. SNGPL invests PKR 10 billion in pipelines. SSGCL follows suit. A Project Management Office launches at each utility. It tracks applications to installs. Grievance cells open next week. Digital shift aids access. SNGPL’s portal went live October 1, 2025. It processes 5,000 requests daily. Minister Malik warned of delays. “We must ensure transparency,” he said at the September meeting. “This fulfils Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s priority.”
Critics note risks. RLNG depends on global prices. A 2025 spike hit PKR 15 per unit. Subsidies may strain budgets. Yet, benefits outweigh. Cleaner fuel reduces emissions by 20%. It aligns with Pakistan’s climate goals.
What’s Next: Scaling the Shehbaz Sharif RLNG Household Launch
Utilities aim for full coverage by 2027. Monitoring committees report monthly to the Petroleum Division. Public awareness campaigns start November 2025. TV and social media highlight steps.
Prime Minister Sharif pledged oversight. “Now, RLNG will be supplied throughout the country to a large number of applicants,” he affirmed. This PM announces reopening gas connections marks energy reform. It promises relief amid crises. Households wait for stoves to light without fear.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 27th, 2025
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