In order to avoid a further increase in the load on the gas transmission system during winter, SNGPL has banned new connections but the decision could be dangerous for the PPP-led government which could face a negative public reaction in the coming general elections, Pakistan Today learnt on Sunday.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) has banned all types of connection including industrial, commercial and domestic connections for one year. Only those applications are entertained, which have already been submitted and the company is not taking new applications. The company has been facing a gas shortage for six years which increases sharply during winter. Company sources said it would allow new connections in the coming weeks. In recent years, the company imposed ban on new connections but had to succumb to government pressure. Around 170,000 applicants in Lahore have applied for new gas connections and out of these connections 20,000 have deposited the money while the remaining 150,000 shall have to wait. “Looking at the high demand, the company decided to impose ban,” a company official said. He adding it would be very difficult to continue the ban. “The company will start accepting new applications in one month or so since the government cannot afford to ban new connections,” he said. SNGPL Lahore General Manager Abdul Haseeb said there was no ban on domestic connections and only commercial and industrial connections were banned.