ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has decided to keep the gas tariff unchanged for the next six months, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced on Tuesday.

The announcement came at a meeting in Islamabad, wherein Malik said the decision was made on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Any increase in gas tariff in Pakistan adds to existing economic pressures on households and businesses already struggling with high inflation and stagnant incomes.

Speaking at the meeting, Malik said that the flow of circular debt in gas sector had been quelled, marking a significant milestone, according to Pakistan's Press Information Department (PID).

"The gas prices will remain same for all consumers for the next six months," Malik was quoted as saying. "Enhanced gas supply is being provided to domestic consumers across the country. No domestic field is presently under curtailment."

Pakistan revised gas prices for fiscal year 2025-26 and okayed a 50 percent increase in fixed charges for domestic consumers, effective from July 1.

The move aligned with structural benchmarks agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including rationalization of captive power tariffs and a shift from subsidies to direct, targeted support for low-income consumers.

Officials of Sui southern and northern gas companies also briefed participants of Tuesday's meeting on operational improvements in the sector.

"SNGPL (Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited) reported a substantial reduction in Unaccounted-for Gas (UFG) losses from 9% to 5%, while SSGC (Sui Southern Gas Company) reported that UFG losses have been reduced from 17% to 10%," the PID said.

SNGPL Managing Director Amer Tufail informed that gas supply hours have also been extended from 5am to 10pm in winters to ensure maximum relief to the public.