Govt may lift ban on domestic LNG connections by September

The Pakistan government is considering lifting the suspension on new domestic liquefied natural gas (LNG) connections if LNG supplies from Qatar return to normal in the coming months.

The ban was introduced after Qatar temporarily halted LNG exports following attacks on its production facilities during the US-Iran conflict. According to reports, the disruption has been extended until the end of August 2026.

Sources in the Petroleum Division said the government is expected to review the restrictions once Qatar's force majeure period ends.

If LNG shipments resume as anticipated, new household LNG connections could restart as early as September.

The suspension on new domestic LNG connections was imposed in May after uncertainty over Qatar's LNG supplies raised concerns about maintaining adequate gas availability for existing consumers.

Officials believe that an improvement in supply conditions would allow the government to resume issuing new connections without affecting the country's energy needs.