Peshawar: Gas theft worth Rs4.294 billion was reported in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the 2025-26 fiscal year, with gas losses increasing by around 3.5 percent compared with the previous financial year.
According to official statistics, gas worth approximately Rs357.8 million is being stolen every month in the southern districts. The daily value of the stolen gas is estimated at around Rs11.8 million, highlighting the scale of the losses faced by the gas sector.
Gas officials in the southern districts have attributed the continued theft to what they described as a lack of cooperation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Officials claimed that efforts to control illegal connections and other forms of gas theft have been affected by inadequate support.
According to gas authorities, gas theft has also increased due to alleged political patronage. Officials claimed that influential political figures are providing protection to those involved in illegal gas connections and theft activities.
The situation has raised concerns about the financial losses suffered by the gas sector as well as the safety risks associated with illegal connections. Authorities have repeatedly warned that tampering with gas pipelines can lead to serious accidents and loss of life.
A recent incident in Karak highlighted these dangers when an explosion occurred near Nashpa village while an alleged illegal connection was reportedly being taken from a gas pipeline. Several people, including children, were seriously injured in the blast.
The latest figures have renewed concerns over gas theft in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s southern districts. The increase in losses compared with 2024-25, along with the reported safety incidents, has intensified calls for stronger action against illegal connections and greater cooperation between provincial authorities and gas officials.
