ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has extended its ban on new domestic gas connections indefinitely amid a growing gas shortage and disruptions in the supply of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
According to media reports, the restriction has also been extended to commercial connections, including those for tandoors and hotels, since the beginning of this month. Thousands of applicants are still waiting for connections despite paying the urgent processing fee.
Gas supplies have come under further pressure as winter approaches and demand rises. The shortage has also affected the existing supply system, making it difficult for the company to meet the needs of domestic consumers.
Sui gas officials said the ban on new connections had been imposed by the Ministry of Petroleum. They indicated that the restoration of connections was linked to an end to the Iran-US conflict.
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Meanwhile, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) associations have announced a nationwide strike from November 16 in protest against the government’s new pricing formula.
Senior Vice Chairman of the LPG Markets Association Ali Haider rejected the revised formula, saying LPG sales would be suspended across the country from November 16.
He said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the associations to oppose the government’s pricing mechanism. According to Haider, the new formula could push LPG prices up by 25 to 30 per cent.
