UGDC to seek foreign investment in Pakistan’s gas sector at Gastech 2026

Universal Gas Distribution Company (Private) Limited (UGDC) is preparing to attract international investors to Pakistan’s gas sector at Gastech 2026, following the government’s move to expand private-sector participation in the industry.

 

The global energy conference is scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together major oil and gas companies, investors, policymakers, technology providers and industry experts.

 

UGDC, the first private company in Pakistan involved in gas sales, marketing and distribution, will represent the country at the event, which is regarded as a major international platform for natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies and energy innovation.

 

The company’s participation comes as the government, particularly through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has opened greater opportunities for private players by increasing the private sector’s gas allocation share from 10% to 35%.

 

For decades, state-owned gas utilities dominated the domestic market, while exploration and production companies were required to supply gas to these entities. The increased private-sector allocation is expected to create more flexibility for producers and investors.

 

Pakistan’s gas-sector circular debt has meanwhile climbed to around Rs3.8 trillion, including principal amounts and late-payment surcharges. The growing liabilities have also contributed to delays in new oil and gas exploration projects.

 

Exploration companies have welcomed the government’s decision to raise private-sector participation, expecting improved gas pricing mechanisms and a reduction in circular debt.

 

“UGDC is an example of a private entity currently working in the gas sector. We will engage foreign companies to attract investment in Pakistan, particularly in gas exploration, in light of the enabling environment created by the government,” UGDC CEO Ghyas Paracha said.

 

At Gastech 2026, UGDC will promote investment opportunities across Pakistan’s upstream and midstream gas industries, including indigenous gas exploration and development, processing facilities, LNG infrastructure, pipelines, storage, gas trading and related energy projects.

 

The company will also seek strategic partnerships, LNG supply arrangements, technology collaborations and other investment opportunities aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s energy infrastructure.

 

UGDC plans to highlight Third-Party Access (TPA) and greater private-sector involvement as important steps toward establishing a more competitive and transparent gas market. The company believes additional investment in domestic gas supplies and infrastructure could reduce dependence on expensive imports, improve the utilisation of existing facilities and help ease the country’s circular debt problem.

 

The company’s participation at Gastech 2026 reflects its broader objective of promoting international cooperation, investment, market liberalisation and the development of a competitive and sustainable gas sector in Pakistan.