New Gas Connections Return at Higher Fees After 8-Year Gap
After nearly a decade of restrictions, the government has restored domestic gas connections, but higher costs and reliance on imported fuel have sparked mixed reactions among consumers and experts.
The eight-year ban, imposed in 2017, left millions of families waiting for access to pipelines. With its removal, over 3.2 million applications are expected to be cleared.
Under the revised rules, applicants will pay a security deposit of Rs20,000 plus a connection fee of Rs21,000 to Rs23,000, depending on property size. Combined, this brings the upfront cost to over Rs40,000 for new users.
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Forms can be obtained at SNGPL regional offices or downloaded online. Applicants must attach a CNIC copy, property ownership proof, and a gas bill from a neighboring house. Those in non-networked areas will need to apply for pipeline extensions.
While the decision has been welcomed as a step towards easing household energy shortages, experts warn of challenges. Relying on imported gas could raise long-term costs, especially given Pakistan’s strained foreign reserves.
Consumers, meanwhile, have voiced concern over the higher connection charges, arguing that many middle- and low-income families may struggle to afford them.
