India Expands Piped Natural Gas Connections Amid LPG Supply Pressure from West Asia Crisis

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra, UP, Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana have seen the highest number of new PNG registrations and activation of old connections since March, when the govt pushed to expand piped gas supply in kitchens across the country to ease pressure on LPG cylinder supply due to West Asia crisis. Of the more than 4.7 lakh dormant connections activated (till April 16), more than one-fourth (1.2 lakh) were in Maharashtra, followed by more than a fifth (1 lakh) in UP. Similarly, Maharashtra accounted for over 22% (1.2 lakh) of the 5.2 lakh new registrations, followed by U,000 and Gujarat 76,000. PNG regulatory board directs gas firms to fast-track gas connections in 110 areas Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board data shows there were over 1.6 crore domestic PNG connections as of Jan 31 this year, of which a little over one crore were active. The number of commercial and industrial customers stood at 48,568 and 21,512, respectively, across 307 geographical areas. The PNGRB has directed gas companies to expedite domestic piped gas connections in 110 geographical areas, including 25 in Uttar Pradesh and 12 in Maharashtra, and extended a national expansion drive, launched on Jan 1 this year, till June 30 to sustain momentum. Gas companies are also coordinating with district authorities where the number of connections is less than 10,000 to find ways to improve infrastructure and expedite approvals required for network expansion. The Centre has offered all states and Union Territories an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG, provided they support a long-term transition from LPG to PNG. Sujata Sharma, the joint secretary in petroleum ministry, said 22 states and UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms. The Centre has streamlined and prepared a time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas.