The government is accelerating the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across the country to reduce pressure on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) supplies amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Thursday.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in the region, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, said several measures have been undertaken to promote PNG adoption.
She noted that expanding PNG access is a key step toward easing the burden on LPG demand, especially at a time of global energy uncertainties.
Sharma also referred to a policy initiative aimed at encouraging states to support PNG expansion through ease-of-doing-business measures. Under this framework, states promoting PNG infrastructure are eligible for an additional 10 per cent allocation of commercial LPG.
According to the ministry, the policy has already seen traction, with around eight states receiving additional LPG allocation. Applications from three more states are currently under consideration.
Highlighting recent progress, Sharma said PNG adoption has picked up pace over the past month. Approximately 3.33 lakh PNG connections have been provided, including about 2.90 lakh new connections, while nearly 3.61 lakh new registrations have been recorded.
The push for PNG comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify energy access and manage domestic LPG demand amid evolving global energy dynamics.
-ANI
