Minister for Petroleum Division, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik, informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the government will not lift the moratorium on new domestic gas connections due to the ongoing shortage of indigenous gas in Pakistan.
The country’s natural gas resources are depleting at a rate of 7-8% per year, leading to the need for restrictions on new connections.
Addressing concerns from lawmakers, Malik said the government has permitted new housing schemes to apply for liquefied natural gas (LNG)-based connections instead of relying on dwindling natural gas supplies.
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The shift to LNG is aimed at managing the energy crisis while providing residents with an alternative gas source for domestic use. Globally, many countries use LPG cylinders to distribute gas to homes, but Pakistan remains dependent on its pipeline network.
The minister stressed that the country must adapt to the changing energy landscape as natural gas becomes increasingly scarce. Dr. Malik also discussed Pakistan State Oil’s (PSO) ongoing LNG supply agreements with Qatar, which remain valid until December 2031.
PSO imports approximately nine LNG shipments per month to meet the needs of key sectors such as power, industry, and cement. Furthermore, he highlighted that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) owes PSO Rs. 29.4 billion for fuel supplies, with a resolution expected after PIA’s privatization.
