Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has reportedly issued hefty gas bills to thousands of households using LNG-based domestic connections, increasing the financial burden on consumers. Sources said the billing was linked to a sharp rise in the cost of imported LNG in the international market.

LNG price increase drives higher bills

According to sources, the LNG-based billing rate reached around Rs7,200 per MMBTU last month, compared with roughly Rs3,700 per MMBTU before the recent surge in international energy prices. The increase has consequently been reflected in bills issued to domestic consumers using LNG-based connections.

Sources attributed the volatility partly to heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which have disrupted expectations in global energy markets. Despite uncertainty over LNG prices, consumers were reportedly billed using the previous month's applicable rate.

RLNG domestic connections face cost pressure

The federal government had approved the provision of RLNG-based domestic gas connections, allowing SNGPL and SSGC to expand access to imported gas for new household connections. SNGPL's official website currently lists a dedicated procedure for new domestic RLNG connections and related consumer services.

Thousands of consumers subsequently received meters and connections under the RLNG-based system. However, the latest increase in LNG-linked billing has raised concerns among households that expected more manageable monthly gas costs.

Imported gas prices concern consumers

The higher bills highlight the direct impact of international LNG prices on households using RLNG-based connections. Consumers are now concerned that continued volatility in global energy markets could keep their gas bills elevated in the coming months.