OGRA Raises October RLNG Prices by up to 15.27%
OGRA RLNG prices for October 2026 have risen by between 13.89 per cent and 15.27 per cent, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority notified on Friday, reversing a 20 per cent reduction granted for September. The revised rates apply to sales by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL).
The increase has been attributed mainly to higher crude oil prices. The revised rates took effect from October 1 under the federal government’s policy guidelines, even though the notification itself arrived at the end of the month. The rates were determined on the basis of two liquefied natural gas cargoes imported by Pakistan State Oil (PSO).
The average delivered ex-ship price of LNG for the two cargoes stood at $10.75 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in October, compared with $10.06 in September, $12.12 in August and $18.96 in July.
OGRA RLNG prices: the new rates in full
For SNGPL, the RLNG sale price on the transmission network increased by 13.89 per cent to $15.9357 per MMBtu in October, from $13.99 in September. On the distribution network, the price rose by 14.01 per cent to $17.3259 per MMBtu, from $15.196 in the preceding month.
For SSGCL, the sale price at the transmission stage increased by 15.25 per cent to $14.5339 per MMBtu, against $12.611 in September. Its distribution-stage price rose by 15.27 per cent to $16.3959 per MMBtu, from $14.22.
| Company | Network | September ($/MMBtu) | October ($/MMBtu) | Rise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNGPL | Transmission | 13.99 | 15.9357 | 13.89% |
| SNGPL | Distribution | 15.196 | 17.3259 | 14.01% |
| SSGCL | Transmission | 12.611 | 14.5339 | 15.25% |
| SSGCL | Distribution | 14.22 | 16.3959 | 15.27% |
The gap between the delivered cargo price of $10.75 and the final sale prices of $14.53 to $17.33 reflects the rest of the chain: regasification, transmission and distribution charges, and system losses. That is why a small rise in the cargo price can still produce a double-digit rise in the notified sale price.
Two companies, two loss levels
Lahore-based SNGPL supplies gas to consumers in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Its distribution-stage system losses have reached nearly 9 per cent, compared with 7.47 per cent in October last year.
Karachi-based SSGCL supplies consumers in Sindh and Balochistan. Its distribution-stage system losses stand at 12.55 per cent, compared with around 10.6 per cent last year.
Losses matter because they are spread across paying consumers. SSGCL’s higher loss level helps explain why its distribution price, at $16.3959, sits close to SNGPL’s $17.3259 even though its transmission price is lower. Both companies have seen losses climb over the year, which adds to the pressure on tariffs.
What it means for power bills
The increase is expected to have a significant impact on fuel costs for power generation in December. RLNG-based power generation cost Rs40 per unit in September, when the average RLNG import price stood at $10.06 per MMBtu. With the October import price higher at $10.75, and sale prices up by as much as 15.27 per cent, generation costs will follow the same direction.
That lands on top of other fuel pressure facing households. Diesel prices rose by Rs2.29 per litre in the latest revision, with petrol unchanged, and LPG prices in Karachi have surged to Rs550 per kg as supply tightens. The Senate is also considering a bill for quarterly gas pricing, which would change how often wellhead and RLNG prices are reviewed.
The revised prices apply from October 1, 2026, according to OGRA. For consumers, the effect will show up in gas bills and, through generation costs, in electricity bills ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How much did OGRA raise RLNG prices for October?
OGRA raised RLNG prices by 13.89 to 15.27 per cent for October 2026, depending on the company and network stage.
What are the new RLNG prices?
SNGPL transmission is $15.9357 and distribution is $17.3259 per MMBtu. SSGCL transmission is $14.5339 and distribution is $16.3959 per MMBtu.
Why did RLNG prices rise?
OGRA attributed the rise mainly to higher crude oil prices, with the delivered LNG cargo price rising to $10.75 per MMBtu in October from $10.06 in September.
From when do the new prices apply?
The revised prices apply from October 1, 2026, under the federal government’s policy guidelines.
Which areas do SNGPL and SSGCL serve?
SNGPL serves Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while SSGCL serves Sindh and Balochistan.
*Source: The Express Tribune.*
