PNG penetration in Delhi

New Delhi: The Centre’s decision to stop LPG cylinder supply in areas that have piped natural gas (PNG) coverage may hit a wall in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies and at homes occupied by tenants.

According to Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), which provides PNG connections across Delhi, its network now extends across the capital, but unauthorised colonies pose a challenge.

“There is a feasibility issue in unauthorised colonies and areas where the streets are very narrow. There are several factors that have to be kept in mind when approving connections to ensure safety,” an IGL official said.

At present, there are over 19 lakh domestic and 5,200 commercial PNG connections in Delhi. Because of the squeeze on LPG supply because of the conflict in West Asia, IGL has seen a marked increase in requests for fresh connections over the past four weeks. IGL officials said 30,000 new connections have been provided in the first 23 days of March.

Till two years ago, a dark spot in Delhi PNG coverage was rural areas. However, since IGL was given a go-ahead, it has covered 260 out of 350 villages in the capital.

When compared to other utilities such as power and water, however, PNG penetration in Delhi lags. According to Delhi’s Economic Survey, there are over 62 lakh domestic electricity connections. Unlike PNG connections, a large majority of homes in unauthorised colonies have electricity connections.

This is primarily because even if a PNG pipeline has been laid in the vicinity of one’s home, other factors, including street width, have to be taken into account before approving a connection – something that is not required for electricity connections.

As per the Delhi Development Authority, over 40 lakh people in the city – roughly 30% of Delhi’s population – live in unauthorised colonies. This equals at least 8 lakh homes.

PNG connections require proper ventilation inside homes, accessible pipelines for maintenance, and adequate emergency response systems such as fire tender access, conditions that are difficult to ensure in congested and unplanned settlements.

The second hurdle is rented spaces. A new PNG connection costs roughly Rs 7,000, money that landlords are unwilling to spend on a home they do not live in. Similarly, many tenants are unwilling to spend to get a PNG connection in a home they will not live in permanently.

“My colony has PNG pipelines but my landlord has not taken a connection. He lives in the same colony and has a PNG connection in his home. Even if I want to switch from LPG to PNG, I cannot apply for a connection since I am not the owner. Moreover, I cannot afford to pay for a new connection each time I shift to a new house,” said Rajiv Tyagi, 34, a tenant in a DDA flat in Sarita Vihar.