What Is the Sui Gas Tariff and Who Sets It?
The Sui Gas tariff is the legally mandated pricing structure for natural gas sold to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers across Pakistan by SNGPL and SSGC. The tariff is not set by the gas companies themselves — it is determined annually by OGRA (Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority), the independent federal regulator established under the OGRA Ordinance 2002. OGRA conducts a formal revenue requirement review each year, considering the cost of gas procurement, pipeline infrastructure, operation and maintenance expenses, and the gas companies' return on regulated assets, before issuing its Tariff Determination notification, which is published in the official Pakistan Gazette.
The annual tariff determination takes effect from 1 July each year, aligning with Pakistan's fiscal year. OGRA's determination specifies: the rate per MMBTU for each consumer category and each slab; the fixed monthly charge for each consumer sub-category; the GCV (Gross Calorific Value) methodology; and the surcharge applicable for late payment. Both SNGPL and SSGC must apply exactly these rates — no more and no less — to all consumer bills. If any consumer believes their bill applies rates different from OGRA's published determination, they can file a complaint with OGRA.
The tariff applies to four main consumer categories: domestic (further divided into protected and non-protected), commercial (shops, restaurants, hotels, offices), industrial (factories, manufacturers, large-scale users) and bulk/CNG (compressed natural gas for vehicles). This guide focuses on domestic tariff rates, which affect the vast majority of household gas bills in Pakistan. Commercial and industrial tariffs are substantially higher and follow a separate slab structure that is not addressed in detail here.
Protected vs Non-Protected Domestic Consumers — The Critical Distinction
The single most important factor determining your gas bill amount is your consumer category: protected or non-protected. This distinction was created by OGRA to shield low-income Pakistani households — those with modest gas needs — from the full cost of gas supply, while ensuring that higher-consumption households pay rates that more fully reflect the actual cost of gas distribution. The qualifying criterion for protected status is based on your average gas consumption during the winter months.
A domestic consumer is classified as 'protected' if their average monthly gas consumption during the four winter months — November, December, January and February — does not exceed 0.9 hm³ (90 m³) per month. OGRA reviews and updates this threshold periodically. The protected category carries three key benefits over the non-protected category: lower gas charges per MMBTU at each slab, a lower fixed monthly charge of Rs 600 (versus Rs 1,500-3,000 for non-protected), and a lower total bill for any given level of consumption. The financial difference is substantial — in a typical winter month, a non-protected consumer may pay 2-4 times more than a protected consumer with the same consumption.
Losing protected status is a real risk for households whose winter usage creeps above 90 m³. SNGPL and SSGC assess each consumer's winter average consumption at the end of every winter season and update the consumer category accordingly. Once reclassified to non-protected, the higher rates and fixed charge apply from the following billing year. Consumers who believe they have been wrongly classified as non-protected — for example, because of an unusually cold winter or a temporary spike from a sick family member requiring more hot water — can apply for reclassification review at their regional office.
Protected Consumer Slab Rates (FY 2025-26)
Protected domestic consumers benefit from a three-slab tariff structure covering their entire qualifying usage range of 0-90 m³ per month. The slabs are defined by consumption in hm³ (hundred cubic metres), with actual rates specified per MMBTU in OGRA's formal determination. For this guide, consumption brackets are expressed in m³ for clarity. Slab 1 covers 0 to 25 m³ (approximately 0-0.25 hm³), which applies to the lightest users — households using gas only for cooking on one or two burners with minimal or no water heating. Slab 2 covers 25 m³ to 50 m³ (0.25-0.50 hm³), applicable to households with a gas geyser used moderately. Slab 3 covers 50 m³ to 90 m³ (0.50-0.90 hm³), applicable to households with regular geyser use and possibly a single room heater.
The per-unit rate rises at each slab boundary, but the increase is modest within the protected category — the slab structure is designed to maintain affordability throughout the protected range. The fixed monthly charge for all protected consumers is Rs 600, regardless of which slab their consumption falls into or whether they consumed all three slab ranges in a single month. If a protected consumer exceeds 90 m³ in any given month, the consumption above 90 m³ is billed at rates applicable to non-protected consumers for that portion only — their overall status does not change for a single month's overage, though a pattern of exceeding 90 m³ in winter will trigger reclassification in the next annual review.
After calculating the gas charges (sum of all slab charges), the fixed monthly charge of Rs 600 is added. The combined total (gas charges + fixed charge) is then subject to 18% GST. The GST amount is shown as a separate line on the bill. The final total before any arrears is the sum of gas charges, fixed charge and GST. This three-component structure — energy charge, fixed charge, GST — is the basis of every domestic gas bill in Pakistan under the current regulatory framework.
| Slab | Consumption Range | Charge Basis | Fixed Charge | GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slab 1 (Protected) | 0 – 25 m³ | Lowest rate per MMBTU | Rs 600/month | 18% on total |
| Slab 2 (Protected) | 25 – 50 m³ | Slightly higher rate per MMBTU | Rs 600/month | 18% on total |
| Slab 3 (Protected) | 50 – 90 m³ | Moderate rate per MMBTU | Rs 600/month | 18% on total |
Non-Protected Consumer Slab Rates (FY 2025-26)
Non-protected domestic consumers are billed at substantially higher rates across all slabs and face progressive fixed charges that also increase with consumption. The non-protected tariff applies from the very first cubic metre consumed — there is no low-rate entry band equivalent to the protected Slab 1. This structure reflects OGRA's policy that consumers with higher overall consumption levels (winter average above 90 m³) can bear a greater portion of the gas supply cost.
The non-protected domestic tariff for FY 2025-26 covers three main consumption bands for most billing purposes. The first band covers consumption from 0 to approximately 100 m³ (0 to 1 hm³) and applies the entry-level non-protected rate — which is already significantly higher than the protected Slab 3 rate. The second band covers 100 m³ to 150 m³ (1 to 1.5 hm³), with a moderately higher rate. The third band covers consumption above 150 m³ (above 1.5 hm³), with the highest per-unit domestic rate. The fixed charge changes at the 150 m³ boundary: Rs 1,500 per month for total consumption up to 150 m³, and Rs 3,000 per month for total consumption above 150 m³.
The 150 m³ boundary is a critical threshold for non-protected consumers because crossing it triggers both a higher per-unit rate for the marginal consumption and a doubling of the fixed charge from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000. In practical terms, a household consuming 148 m³ in a month will have a much lower bill than one consuming 155 m³ — not just due to the 7 extra m³, but because the fixed charge jumps by Rs 1,500 at that boundary. Awareness of this threshold helps households near 150 m³ make informed decisions about usage management.
| Slab | Consumption Range | Fixed Charge | GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Protected Band 1 | 0 – 100 m³ | Rs 1,500/month | 18% on total |
| Non-Protected Band 2 | 100 – 150 m³ | Rs 1,500/month | 18% on total |
| Non-Protected Band 3 | Above 150 m³ | Rs 3,000/month | 18% on total |
What Is GCV and How Does It Affect Your Bill?
GCV stands for Gross Calorific Value — the amount of heat energy contained in one cubic metre of natural gas. Because natural gas in Pakistan comes from multiple gas fields (including Sui, Mari, Qadirpur, Sawan, Kadanwari, Zamzama and others), the energy content of the gas supplied varies by location and by season as the gas mix changes. OGRA sets tariff rates in terms of MMBTU (million British Thermal Units) of energy, not simply m³ of volume. To convert your meter reading in m³ to the MMBTU basis used for billing, SNGPL and SSGC apply the GCV factor specific to your supply zone.
If the GCV factor for your area is, say, 1,020 BTU/standard cubic foot (SCF) and standard conditions convert to approximately 35.3 SCF per m³, then one m³ of gas contains about 36,006 BTU or 0.036006 MMBTU. Your monthly consumption of (say) 100 m³ would therefore be billed as 3.6 MMBTU. The exact GCV for your supply zone and billing month is printed on your bill, often labelled as 'Heat Factor' or 'GCV'. It typically ranges between 900 and 1,100 BTU/SCF across Pakistan's distribution network.
The practical implication of GCV is that two consumers using the same volume of gas (in m³) in two different areas may receive slightly different bills if their supply areas have different GCV values. A higher GCV means more energy per m³, so the billing MMBTU is higher and the charge is slightly greater. This is not a billing error — it reflects the actual energy content of the gas supplied. If you run a calculation using a flat m³-to-MMBTU conversion and the result differs from your actual bill by 3-8%, GCV correction is the most likely explanation.
Fixed Charge, GST and After-Due-Date Surcharge
Beyond the variable gas consumption charges, every Pakistani gas bill includes three additional standard components: the fixed monthly charge, 18% GST, and (if applicable) an after-due-date surcharge. Understanding each of these ensures no part of your bill is unexpected. The fixed monthly charge is a flat fee that applies every month regardless of your gas consumption level. For protected consumers, it is Rs 600. For non-protected consumers, it is Rs 1,500 (if consumption is 150 m³ or below in the month) or Rs 3,000 (if consumption exceeds 150 m³).
The 18% GST is calculated on the sum of the gas consumption charges and the fixed monthly charge. It appears as a separate line on the bill labelled 'GST' or 'General Sales Tax'. This is a federal tax mandated by the government and collected by SNGPL and SSGC on behalf of the Federal Board of Revenue. It cannot be waived, negotiated or disputed through the gas company. All consumer categories — protected, non-protected, commercial and industrial — pay GST at the 18% rate on their respective gas and fixed charges.
The after-due-date surcharge (also called the late payment surcharge) is an additional percentage added to your total bill if payment is received after the printed due date. OGRA specifies this surcharge rate in the tariff determination — it is typically set at a rate that reflects the time value of the outstanding amount. On large winter bills, the surcharge can add Rs 500-3,000 or more to the payable amount. Paying even one day after the due date triggers the full surcharge. To avoid it entirely, pay at least 3 working days before the due date to account for payment processing time.
| Charge Component | Protected | Non-Protected (≤150 m³) | Non-Protected (>150 m³) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Monthly Charge | Rs 600 | Rs 1,500 | Rs 3,000 |
| GST on Fixed Charge (18%) | Rs 108 | Rs 270 | Rs 540 |
| Gas Charge GST | 18% of energy charges | 18% of energy charges | 18% of energy charges |
| After-Due Surcharge | % of total — if late | % of total — if late | % of total — if late |
How to Calculate Your Expected Gas Bill
Calculating your expected gas bill manually requires three inputs: your monthly gas consumption in m³ (from your meter), your consumer category (protected or non-protected), and the current OGRA-approved slab rates. The calculation follows these steps: first, determine your consumption in MMBTU by multiplying m³ by the applicable GCV factor (use 0.036 MMBTU/m³ as an approximation if the exact GCV is unknown). Second, apply the slab rates to each portion of your MMBTU consumption in sequence to get the total gas charge.
For a protected consumer using 70 m³ (approximately 2.52 MMBTU): the first slab covers 0-0.9 MMBTU equivalent (0-25 m³), the second covers 0.9-1.8 MMBTU (25-50 m³), and the remaining 0.72 MMBTU (50-70 m³ equivalent) falls in the third slab. Each portion is multiplied by its respective OGRA rate and the three products summed. Add Rs 600 fixed charge. Apply 18% GST to the subtotal. The result is your estimated bill before any arrears.
SuiGasBills.pk's Bill Calculator automates this entire calculation. Enter your consumption in m³, select protected or non-protected, and the calculator applies the current OGRA tariff rates and GCV factor to produce a slab-wise breakdown and estimated total — the same arithmetic your gas company uses. The calculator is especially useful for planning winter usage and checking whether a printed bill's arithmetic is correct.
Commercial and Industrial Gas Tariff — Overview
Commercial consumers — restaurants, hotels, bakeries, laundries, clinics, offices — pay commercial tariff rates which are set by OGRA at levels higher than domestic rates. Commercial consumers do not have a protected/non-protected distinction; all commercial connections are billed at the same commercial slab rates from the first MMBTU. The commercial fixed charge is also higher than the domestic fixed charge. Commercial meters are typically higher-capacity rotary or diaphragm meters that can measure higher flow rates.
Industrial consumers — manufacturing plants, textile mills, food processing facilities, steel mills and other large-scale industrial users — are billed under industrial tariff categories that vary by industry type and consumption level. Some large industrial consumers have negotiated supply agreements directly with the gas companies under OGRA-approved frameworks. Industrial tariffs are substantially higher than commercial rates and reflect the full cost of gas supply without the subsidised protection available to domestic consumers.
A common compliance issue in Pakistan is domestic connections being used for commercial or industrial purposes. A restaurant running on a domestic connection, or a small factory using a domestic meter, is violating SNGPL/SSGC terms of service. Gas companies conduct regular meter inspections and consumer surveys; if a domestic connection is found to be used commercially, the consumer is back-billed at commercial rates for the period of misuse (up to several years) and penalised. If you operate any commercial activity using gas, ensure you have the appropriate commercial connection to avoid this risk.
Historical Context — How Gas Tariffs Have Changed
Sui Gas tariffs in Pakistan have undergone substantial increases over the past decade, driven by the rising cost of gas procurement (particularly imported LNG), infrastructure investment needs, and the gradual reduction of government subsidies. In FY 2015-16, a protected consumer's fixed charge was far lower, and the per-unit rates were roughly 30-40% of what they are today in nominal rupee terms. The period from 2021 to 2025 saw particularly steep increases as LNG prices surged globally and the government progressively passed through higher supply costs to consumers.
OGRA's annual tariff determination process is intended to be transparent and evidence-based. Gas companies submit revenue requirement applications, OGRA conducts public hearings, and the determination is published with the reasoning. Consumer advocacy groups and industry associations participate in the hearing process. In years when the government has chosen to partially absorb tariff increases through targeted subsidies, the notified consumer tariff has been lower than the full cost recovery tariff calculated by OGRA.
Understanding tariff history helps consumers contextualise their current bills. A consumer comparing their current bill to one from 3-5 years ago will find significantly higher amounts — not necessarily because they are using more gas, but because the per-unit rates have increased. If your consumption in MMBTU is similar to 3 years ago but your bill has doubled, the increase is driven by tariff escalation and rupee depreciation costs, not by increased usage on your part.
Future Gas Tariffs — What Consumers Should Expect
Pakistani gas tariffs are expected to continue rising in the near to medium term for structural reasons. Pakistan's indigenous gas production is declining as major domestic fields — particularly the Sui gas field in Balochistan, which gave 'Sui Gas' its name — deplete naturally. To maintain supply, Pakistan imports LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) at international market prices, which are both higher than domestic production costs and subject to global price volatility. As LNG becomes a larger proportion of the gas mix, the blended cost of supply increases.
OGRA's regulatory framework mandates cost-of-supply pricing — tariffs must eventually reflect the actual cost of producing and delivering gas. Any gap between tariffs and cost creates 'circular debt' in the gas sector, a problem that has accumulated to hundreds of billions of rupees and constrains the sector's ability to invest in infrastructure. Government fiscal consolidation programmes have consistently included gas tariff increases as a condition of IMF programme compliance, further supporting the expectation of continued tariff escalation.
For consumers, the practical implications are: expect annual tariff increases each July; the protected consumer category provides significant protection from these increases for qualifying households; reducing gas consumption — through energy efficiency improvements, insulation, thermostat control and appliance upgrades — is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of tariff increases on your household budget. SuiGasBills.pk's Bill Calculator is a useful tool for modelling how each year's tariff increase will affect your specific consumption pattern.
