Pakistan finalises gas sector deregulation roadmap
Published On 05 Aug, 2026
The roadmap was discussed during a high-level meeting on gas sector reforms chaired by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and attended by the World Bank’s Country Director.
A key component of the reform plan is the restructuring and unbundling of the Sui gas companies. Under the proposed changes, their transmission, distribution and energy businesses will be separated to improve operational efficiency and market competition.
The government also plans to redesign the gas subsidy framework, limiting financial assistance to eligible consumers through a targeted subsidy system. As part of the reforms, Pakistan will gradually transition towards a market-clearing pricing mechanism for natural gas.
During the meeting, the World Bank provided technical assistance and shared international best practices to support the reform process. The roadmap is expected to be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approval later this month, after which implementation will begin in phases.
