Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Radio Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the opening of new gas connections for domestic consumers.
He was addressing a ceremony related to the resumption of Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers in Islamabad on Sunday.
He said the government took the decision in response to long-standing public demand.
The prime minister recalled that in 2022, there was immense public pressure for gas connections, but the government was facing challenges.
He emphasised that with this landmark decision, the public will now be able to access affordable and quality fuel.
In a video message played during the ceremony, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government is committed to providing maximum facilities to the public.
He said Sui Northern Gas Company earned a profit of Rs29 billion during the last fiscal year.
Read: Govt clears way for new RLNG connections
Earlier, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed a comprehensive rollout plan for providing Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) connections to domestic consumers.
To ensure effective oversight and timely execution of this massive public welfare project, the minister directed the immediate creation of a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) at both SNGPL and SSGCL.
These offices, he said, will be responsible for closely monitoring the entire process, from application to connection, ensuring targets are met and any public grievances are promptly addressed.
In a major relief for consumers who have been awaiting connections, it was also decided that applicants who have already paid for a demand note can now submit the differential amount along with the security fee to become eligible for an RLNG connection under this new initiative.
During the meeting, the managing directors of SNGPL and SSGCL presented a detailed strategy for the effective implementation of the government’s directive, said a news release.
They informed the minister that an ambitious target of providing new RLNG domestic connections within the first year will be set.
To ensure maximum public facilitation and transparency, the application process for the connections will be significantly streamlined.
Consumers will be able to apply online through the official websites and mobile applications of the Sui companies, in addition to the traditional method of applying at their local offices.
The minister directed the management of both gas utilities to formulate a robust and consumer-friendly mechanism to ensure the seamless facilitation of the public.
He emphasised that this initiative is the priority of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to meet the growing public demand for clean and affordable energy.
“This step is being taken to fulfil the long-standing demand of the public for the provision of new domestic gas connections,” the minister said.
