Big Relief for Households: Shehbaz Sharif Approves New Gas Connections

Islamabad — October 26, 2025 — In a major policy shift and relief for domestic consumers across Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday the reopening of new gas connections for households after a four-year ban.

What’s Changing

The ban on new domestic gas connections, which had been in place since 2021 due to severe supply constraints, has now been lifted. 

Instead of traditional natural gas connections, the government is rolling out connections based on Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) for domestic use.

Initial figures reveal the target of about 300,000 new household connections this year, with plans to scale up to 600,000 annually from next year.

What the Prime Minister Said

During the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the Prime Minister noted that:

“A long-standing public demand is being met today… the infrastructure for these connections was ready; now the gas is available.”
He emphasised that this step marks another major stride in the government’s public-welfare-oriented energy policies.

Why It Matters

For many families forced to rely on expensive LPG cylinders or alternative fuels due to lack of pipeline gas, this move brings immediate relief.

Although RLNG is costlier than conventional natural gas, it is estimated to be 30–35% cheaper than LPG, making it a more affordable option for households. 
The decision is also a signal of improving conditions in the gas-energy sector: the major gas company Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) reported a reduction in line-losses to 4.93% and profits of Rs 29 billion.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Resumes Direct Flights: Islamabad to Manchester After Five-Year Hiatus

Things to Note / Challenges Ahead

While the connections are being approved, rollout details—such as how quickly pipelines will reach various localities—remain to be seen.

RLNG-based connections may come with higher tariffs than older natural-gas supply schemes; households should check cost implications. 
The demand backlog is significant — hundreds of thousands of households had submitted applications while the ban was in force. Clearing that backlog will take sustained effort.

Timeline & Next Steps

September 2025: Federal cabinet approved the resumption of new domestic gas connections across Pakistan.

October 26, 2025: Prime Minister formally inaugurated RLNG supply for domestic consumers. 

2025–2026 onward: Scaling up of household connections; monitoring of rollout progress and affordability.