New RLNG Policy Sparks Outcry in Balochistan as Consumers Face Higher Gas Bills

Quetta:The federal government has lifted the nationwide ban on new gas connections but decided that **all new connections will now be provided on RLNG (Re-Gasified Liquefied Natural Gas) basis**, effectively imposing **imported gas prices** on consumers in Balochistan.

According to official sources, the new policy mandates that every new gas connection will be categorized as **RLNG-based**, even in areas where **natural gas is still being supplied**. This change — made without public awareness — could result in **massive billing shocks** for new consumers across the province.

A senior official of the gas company revealed that the new RLNG tariff will bring a **price difference of nearly Rs118 per unit**, potentially raising household gas bills to **Rs25,000–30,000 per month**.

Figures from the **Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA)** show that domestic natural gas tariffs range between **Rs7 to Rs10 per unit**, while RLNG prices are **Rs125–130 per unit** — a disparity that could place a **severe financial burden** on Balochistan’s residents.

Originally, the federal cabinet had approved RLNG connections only for **large housing schemes and industrial projects**, but OGRA has **extended the policy nationwide**. Experts have criticized the move as **illogical, unconstitutional, and contrary to provincial rights**.

Pakistan imports RLNG primarily from **Qatar**, at costs several times higher than locally produced gas.

Political leaders, traders, and public representatives have condemned the decision, calling it a **“double standard”** and **economic exploitation** of a resource-rich province. “It is unjust to charge the people of Balochistan imported rates for the very gas extracted from their own land,” they said.

They have demanded that **Balochistan be exempted** from the RLNG-based billing policy and that local consumers be charged **only at domestic natural gas tariffs**.