The Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC) has invited foreign investors to participate in Pakistan’s gas distribution, storage and pipeline infrastructure projects during Gastech 2026 in Bangkok.
UGDC’s participation marked the first time Pakistan was represented at the international exhibition, which focuses on natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), low-carbon technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) applications in the energy sector.
The 54th annual Gastech conference brought together representatives from 150 countries, with Pakistan among three countries making their debut at the event. Organisers said around 8,000 delegates and 1,000 exhibiting companies were taking part.
UGDC set up a stall alongside major international energy companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell, ConocoPhillips, Petronas and Sinopec, as well as other multinational gas firms.
During the event, the Pakistani company presented its plans for developing a separate private-sector gas distribution network aimed at providing consumers with gas at more competitive prices.
Pakistan’s gas distribution system is currently dominated by two state-owned companies, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company. However, private-sector companies are now seeking to establish distribution networks through partnerships with international investors.
UGDC Chief Executive Officer Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said the government’s decision to allow private parties to receive 35 per cent of gas production from exploration and production companies represented an important step towards deregulating the gas distribution sector.
He said UGDC aimed to attract foreign direct investment and establish direct business-to-business joint ventures to help reduce gas prices and transform Pakistan’s energy market.
Paracha credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik with opening greater opportunities for private-sector participation in the energy industry.
He said private gas distribution networks could also help reduce gas losses and improve efficiency, ultimately lowering costs for consumers.
“We want to see more companies from the private sector invest in the gas sector,” Paracha said.
He said UGDC had already revived three previously dormant gas fields by processing raw gas into pipeline-quality supply. The company is also working with international partners, including major US companies, to expand gas purification infrastructure and connect stranded reserves with the national grid.
Paracha said the company was also seeking foreign investment in gas processing and purification projects.
To address seasonal supply shortages and fluctuations in gas pressure, UGDC has previously pursued both short- and long-term LNG import arrangements. The company is also advocating for the development of commercial underground gas storage facilities that could allow Pakistan to store gas when international prices are favourable.
According to Paracha, high unaccounted-for-gas (UFG) losses have contributed significantly to rising gas prices in Pakistan. UGDC plans to develop dedicated private pipeline infrastructure for large industrial consumers and major residential developments to reduce losses and bypass inefficient legacy networks.
He said UGDC was building on previous agreements and engagements with international energy companies, including ExxonMobil, QatarEnergy, ConocoPhillips and Trafigura, and was inviting global firms to co-invest under Pakistan’s newly deregulated gas framework.
Paracha said private-sector investment would rely on private capital rather than government subsidies. He added that the projects could generate additional revenue for the government through pipeline transit charges and taxes while creating employment opportunities.
He argued that greater liberalisation of the gas market could reduce energy costs, improve industrial competitiveness and support a more resilient, market-oriented energy sector.
Paracha also said international participation in gas distribution and storage would contribute to improved business practices and facilitate the transfer of technology to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Sadia Qazi, also visited the UGDC stall at the exhibition and described the company’s participation as a significant milestone for Pakistani businesses seeking a stronger presence in global markets.
She said that although natural gas remains a conventional fossil fuel, the adoption of modern technologies, AI-driven optimisation and low-carbon solutions would be important for strengthening Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
