LAHORE: Thousands of consumers in Pakistan are facing prolonged delays in obtaining new Sui gas connections, with even those who have paid urgent processing fees still waiting for their connections. The gas utility has decided to maintain an indefinite suspension on new domestic connections and has also stopped issuing fresh commercial connections.
According to sources, the suspension has been extended to hotels, commercial bakeries and tandoors, as well as other business establishments, since the beginning of this month. The decision is affecting not only households seeking new gas connections but also entrepreneurs planning to establish new businesses.
Sources said the disruption in the supply of Re-gasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) has further intensified the gas shortage in the existing distribution system. Rising demand has added to the pressure, while consumers with existing connections are also experiencing difficulties in receiving an uninterrupted gas supply.
Sui gas officials said the suspension of new connections was imposed on the directions of the Ministry of Petroleum. They added that the restoration of new connections may only become possible after hostilities between Iran and the United States come to an end.
Meanwhile, the continued suspension has raised concerns among thousands of applicants who have already paid additional fees for urgent connections but have yet to receive the service.
Consumers are questioning why urgent processing fees are being collected if connections cannot be provided within the promised timeframe. They are also seeking clarity on how long the suspension will remain in place and when the issuance of new domestic and commercial connections will resume.
