Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has extended its ban on new domestic gas connections indefinitely as disrupted RLNG supplies worsen the gas shortage ahead of winter.

Sources said the company has also stopped issuing other connections, including those for commercial users such as hotels and tandoors.

Thousands of consumers who have already paid urgent connection fees are still waiting for their gas connections, with no clear timeline for restoration.

Why SNGPL Has Extended the Ban

Sources said disruptions in regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) supplies have increased the shortfall in the existing gas network.

Demand is also rising as temperatures fall, making it harder for the company to meet the needs of existing household consumers.

SNGPL officials said the Ministry of Petroleum had ordered the suspension of new connections. They added that the process may resume once the war between Iran and the US ends.

The government first suspended new gas connections in April due to similar supply problems.

LPG Is Becoming More Expensive

Households without piped gas have to rely on alternatives such as LPG, which is also becoming more expensive.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has set the November price of an 11.8 kg domestic LPG cylinder at Rs. 3,470.09. This is Rs. 173.86 higher than October’s price.

However, LPG is reportedly selling for around Rs. 600 per kg in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other parts of the country.

At this rate, an 11.8 kg cylinder costs approximately Rs. 7,080, around Rs. 3,610 above the official price.

A household using two cylinders a month would spend about Rs. 14,160 at market rates, compared with Rs. 6,940 at the official price.

Consumers Face an Uncertain Wait

Consumers who have paid urgent fees for new gas connections have no confirmed date for receiving them.

The suspension is expected to remain in place until gas supplies improve and the government allows new connections to resume.

Meanwhile, households may face higher winter fuel costs as they turn to LPG amid the continuing shortage.