Raj targets 2.5K to 3K new PNG connections per day

Jaipur: The state govt Tuesday directed city gas distributors to add 2,500 to 3,000 new domestic piped natural gas connections every day to accelerate the shift from LPG to PNG across the state. The target was set by chief secretary V Srinivasan during a virtual meeting attended by representatives of 13 city gas distribution companies operating in Rajasthan. The push comes after mines and petroleum secretary Aparna Arora set a goal of increasing PNG connections in Rajasthan from 1.25 lakh to 5 lakh in the next three months. Srinivasan said, "Connecting households with PNG services in areas where the necessary infrastructure has been developed is a priority for both the Central and state governments. The Central govt has issued directives to switch over to PNG services in all areas where PNG infrastructure has been established. Industrial and commercial units located in these regions are also to be connected to natural gas pipelines." Officials said the state govt is closely tracking progress through coordination with the companies operating in the sector. Arora said, "The dept is maintaining regular oversight through effective coordination with the 13 CGD entities currently operating across 17 geographical areas within the state." Srinivasan asked district collectors to begin public outreach campaigns to persuade households to move from LPG to PNG in areas where pipeline infrastructure is in place. "All district collectors shall raise awareness by sharing comprehensive information regarding benefits of PNG, like its affordability, 24/7 availability, freedom from the hassles of booking refills, and its status as a safe, clean, and green energy source," he said.The govt said petroleum product supplies remain stable in the state even as it pushes for wider PNG adoption. State food, civil supplies, and consumer forum secretary Ambrish Kumar said, "Different departments are regularly reviewing and monitoring the situation." During the meeting, Rajasthan State Gas managing director Ranveer Singh presented the current status of PNG connections and outlined the roadmap for expanding the network. "The state currently has 13 city gas distributors working across 17 geographical areas, with the latest target aimed at significantly speeding up household, industrial and commercial conversion to natural gas," Singh said.