PNG connections double in Doon since Feb amid LPG crunch

Dehradun: The number of active piped natural gas (PNG) connections in Dehradun district has more than doubled in recent months, rising to 3,800 households compared to 1,800 in Feb, as the country continues to grapple with an LPG supply crisis due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Officials said the uptick in connections follows policy interventions and operational flexibility, which was granted to GAIL Gas in March with a permission to carry out round-the-clock work. “There has been a push from the Centre to scale up supply. The LPG shortfall, particularly in the commercial sector, has prompted many to shift to PNG,” said Ambuj Gautam, general manager, GAIL Gas.

The ministry of petroleum and natural gas had also directed city gas distribution entities to expand infrastructure and expedite domestic rollout, urging commercial establishments to switch to PNG to ease pressure on LPG supplies. Authorities were also instructed to streamline statutory approvals and consider temporary waivers for road restoration and permission charges.

Commercial connections have also seen a sharp rise. “We went from a single commercial connection to 33 active ones in just a couple of months,” said Gautam, adding that a leading glass manufacturing unit located at Nepali Farm on the Haridwar‑Dehradun Road near Rishikesh has shifted to PNG, becoming the first industrial consumer to do so.

“CNG sales have also increased from 30,000 kg per day to 50,000 kg in recent months. Due to increased awareness, the demand has gone up almost three times in the last year and is much higher now,” said Gautam.

The PNG project, introduced in 2020 and formally launched in 2022, aims to cover approximately three lakh households across Dehradun district, including parts of Rishikesh, Doiwala and Chakrata. Of the sanctioned cost of Rs 1,500 crore, over Rs 300 crore has already been invested. However, the project’s deadline set for 2030 appears unlikely to be met, with monsoon restrictions slowing ground work. The district administration has directed agencies to complete road‑digging work by June 7, though GAIL Gas has sought an extension.

The transition is expected to reduce dependence on LPG and provide relief to businesses at risk of closure due to fuel shortages. Meanwhile, LPG prices continue to climb with commercial cylinders now costing Rs 3,167, up from Rs 1,938 in March, and domestic cylinders also recently increased by Rs 29.