Raj targets LPG-free colonies in 30 days with PNG camps

Jaipur: Amid Rajasthan’s LPG shortage, city gas distributors (CGDs) have stepped up efforts to shift households from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) in Jaipur and other districts.Backed by the govt, CGDs are organising special camps in colonies where PNG infrastructure is already in place, targeting residents who have received LPG disconnection notices.Officials said the camps are primarily meant for consumers whose LPG connections are set to be discontinued within 90 days of notice. The move follows fresh Union govt directives mandating LPG distributors to issue disconnection notices in areas already covered by PNG networks.While such outreach camps are held regularly, the ongoing fuel crisis and a coordinated push by the Centre and the Rajasthan govt have intensified the campaign. “The immediate goal is to convert entire neighbourhoods into ‘LPG-free colonies’ in a phased manner, starting within a month,” a CGD representative said.Rajasthan currently has 13 CGDs operating across districts, including public sector firms Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), along with the state-run Rajasthan State Gas Limited.Officials said the camps aim to simplify the transition by helping residents apply for PNG connections quickly and avoid disruption in cooking fuel supply.According to CGD officials, the response so far has been encouraging. “Faster migration to PNG can ease pressure on LPG supplies and help manage the ongoing shortage. The transition is also expected to strengthen urban gas distribution and reduce dependence on cylinder-based domestic fuel systems during periods of supply stress and rising demand,” an official said.