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Gujarat Expands PNG Network, Boosts LPG for Key Commercial Sectors

The Gujarat government has launched a major initiative to modernize fuel distribution by expanding the piped natural gas (PNG) network and increasing commercial LPG allocations. In areas with an existing PNG network, consumers with dual connections must switch to PNG and surrender their LPG cylinders. For sectors like restaurants and hotels in non-PNG areas, commercial LPG quotas have been significantly increased from 10% to 25%. The state has set strict timelines for processing PNG applications and will ensure uninterrupted supply for essential institutions like hospitals and schools.

Key Points: Gujarat Expands PNG, Increases Commercial LPG Quotas

  • PNG network expansion across Gujarat
  • Commercial LPG quota raised to 25%
  • Strict 10-day timeline for PNG approvals
  • Priority supply for hospitals & schools
3 min read

Gujarat expands PNG network, boosts commercial LPG for key sectors

Gujarat launches campaign to expand PNG connections and raise commercial LPG allocations for restaurants, industries, and essential institutions.

"All consumers holding both LPG and PNG connections will be required to use PNG - Mona Khandhar"

Gandhinagar, March 24

The Gujarat government, on Tuesday, launched an extensive campaign to expand piped natural gas connections and increase commercial LPG allocations across the state, aiming to modernise fuel distribution and ensure uninterrupted supply for essential and commercial sectors.

Addressing a press conference, Principal Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Mona Khandhar, said the initiative prioritises converting existing LPG users to PNG where the network is available.

"All consumers holding both LPG and PNG connections will be required to use PNG, after which their LPG connections will be surrendered by the oil marketing companies," she added.

Khandhar said that all data is being shared between PNG companies and oil marketing companies for accurate mapping, and the entire process will be monitored by the District Collector and District Supply Officers.

In areas without PNG networks, the state has increased commercial LPG allocations from 10 to 25 per cent for restaurants, hotels, industrial and corporate canteens, corporate guest houses, and food processing units.

Essential MSME sectors providing widespread employment in each district will receive commercial LPG under a 10 per cent quota.

Hospitals, educational institutes, registered old age homes, orphanages, and long-serving religious and social institutions will continue to receive LPG as before, with hospitals and schools receiving 100 per cent of their requirements, and certain industries, including pharmaceutical, dairy, and seed processing units, receiving 70 per cent.

Institutions providing regular meals for at least a year will continue to receive LPG up to 25 per cent of their requirement.

To strengthen PNG adoption, the state government has introduced strict timelines for processing applications.

In areas with an existing PNG network, pending domestic and commercial applications will be approved within 10 days.

Societies and newly developed areas near PNG networks will be assisted by City Gas Distribution companies to obtain connections, after which their LPG connections will be surrendered.

Khandhar said, "In Ahmedabad, more than 1,200 commercial and over 3.5 lakh domestic connections are being converted to PNG. Nearly 900 societies will also be connected to the PNG network over the next three months. Similar measures are being implemented in other cities across the state."

City Gas Distribution companies have been instructed to obtain Right of Way approvals from local institutions and the Road and Building Departments within 24 hours, without charging fees, to facilitate rapid expansion of the PNG network.

The initiative is being implemented with priority given to expanding PNG infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply for hospitals, educational institutions, essential industries, and social institutions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but what about the upfront cost for households to switch? The gas stove needs to be changed or modified for PNG. Will there be any financial assistance or subsidy for that conversion? Many middle-class families might find that cost prohibitive.
A
Aman W
As someone who runs a small restaurant in Surat, the increase in commercial LPG quota from 10% to 25% is a huge relief. The constant struggle to secure cylinders was affecting our business. This policy seems well-thought-out, prioritizing hotels and eateries. Hope the implementation is smooth on the ground.
S
Sarah B
The focus on hospitals and schools getting 100% of their requirements is commendable. Uninterrupted power and fuel supply for critical institutions should always be the top priority in any infrastructure plan. Gujarat is showing the way in systematic urban utility management.
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Vikram M
The 10-day approval timeline for pending PNG applications is ambitious! If they can actually deliver on that promise, it will be a massive improvement in government service delivery. Usually, these things take months. Let's see if the "24-hour Right of Way approval" for companies becomes a reality or remains on paper.
K
Kavya N
What about rural areas and smaller towns? The article mainly talks about cities like Ahmedabad. PNG network expansion is great, but LPG cylinders are still the lifeline for millions in villages. I hope the increased commercial LPG quota also reaches the small dhabas and catering businesses in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
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