Pakistan Freezes Gas Prices for Six Months to Provide Winter Relief

In a significant relief measure for consumers amid the winter season, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that gas prices will remain unchanged across all categories for the next six months, as directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Announcement to National Assembly Committee

During the 12th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Petroleum, chaired by Syed Mustafa Mehmood, the minister informed members that no price hikes would occur in any consumer category for the remaining six months of the current fiscal year. Malik emphasized the government’s commitment to public relief, stating, “On the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, gas prices would not be increased for the next six months in any category.” The briefing also highlighted operational improvements, including enhanced gas supply to domestic consumers nationwide, with no domestic gas fields under curtailment.

Sector Improvements and International Cooperation

Officials from Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) reported substantial reductions in unaccounted-for gas (UFG) losses—SNGPL from 9% to 5%, and SSGC from 17% to 10%—achieved through IoT-based real-time monitoring systems. The minister noted that circular debt in the gas sector has been contained, with no new debt accumulation. Additionally, gas supply to the power sector exceeds the Integrated Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) demand to prevent loadshedding. On the international front, negotiations with Qatar allow diversion of surplus LNG cargoes to global markets while honoring contracts, praising Qatar as a reliable supplier amid past global defaults.