- September 16, 2026
- Posted by: Tresmark
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Pakistan returned to the international Gastech conference after a 54-year absence, with a private gas company presenting investment opportunities in gas distribution, storage and pipeline infrastructure.
Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC) became the first Pakistani company in 54 years to set up a stall at the event, joining major global energy companies including ExxonMobil, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Petronas, Turkish Energy and Sinopec.
Gastech 2026 brought together around 8,000 delegates, 50,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibiting companies from 150 countries.
Private sector seeks foreign investment
UGDC, Pakistan’s first private gas distribution company, is seeking foreign investment and joint ventures to develop separate gas distribution networks and provide gas to consumers at lower prices.
Pakistan’s gas distribution system is currently dominated by state-owned SNGPL and SSGC. UGDC says private-sector networks could improve efficiency, reduce gas losses and lower costs for consumers.
UGDC CEO Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said the government’s decision to allocate 35% of gas to private parties is an important step toward deregulating the gas distribution sector.
He said the company wants to attract foreign direct investment and establish direct business-to-business joint ventures with international companies, including US firms.
According to Paracha, UGDC is already supplying gas to customers at rates lower than those charged by state-owned gas companies.
Focus on stranded gas reserves
UGDC has also operationalised three previously dormant gas fields by processing raw gas to pipeline quality.
The company plans to work with international partners to expand gas purification facilities and connect stranded gas reserves to Pakistan’s national pipeline network.
Paracha said greater private-sector participation could help reduce gas losses while bringing additional investment and supply into the country’s energy market.
