Centre Urges States to Accelerate Shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas

In a directive issued on August 21 to state chief secretaries, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal outlined the government's push to expand PNG distribution networks across the country. The move seeks to establish dedicated administrative points of contact at the district level who would coordinate between gas distributors, oil marketing companies, and state authorities to remove bureaucratic hurdles and expedite PNG connections.

The ministry has identified PNG as a key fuel for India's energy transition strategy. As a safer, cleaner, and more efficient cooking alternative to LPG, PNG aligns with the government's broader objectives to modernise the country's energy infrastructure while reducing reliance on bottled gas distribution systems.

Accelerated PNG adoption would ease the logistical pressures associated with transporting and distributing LPG cylinders across India's vast geography, officials stated. The shift also promises enhanced consumer convenience through piped supply directly to households, eliminating the need for regular cylinder refills and deliveries.

The push reflects the government's effort to maximise returns on substantial investments in city gas distribution (CGD) infrastructure, which has been developed through both public and private sector participation. State authorities have been asked to treat the appointment of nodal officers as a priority to support the Petroleum Ministry's nationwide PNG expansion programme.