PNG users will no longer be able to keep cylinders

Vadodara: The practice of consumers maintaining both piped natural gas (PNG) and LPG cylinder connections is set to end. Following instructions from the district administration, Vadodara Gas Ltd (VGL) has shared its PNG consumer data with oil marketing companies (OMCs), which have begun identifying customers holding both connections.The Union government issued directives last week stating that those with PNG connections cannot obtain or retain LPG connections. At a recent meeting held by the district administration, VGL was asked to share its consumer details with OMCs. A VGL official said the data had been handed over and OMCs will now act. Vadodara district collector Anil Dhameliya said that if a person with a PNG connection tries to book an LPG cylinder, the booking will be denied and the LPG connection cancelled. Dhameliya added that OMCs have identified around 69,000 LPG consumers who have not taken cylinders for a long time. Physical verification will be carried out to determine whether they also have PNG connections. If such cases are found, their LPG connections will be cancelled. Panic booking of cylinders has dropped sharply, he added. Gas agencies in areas where VGL has a strong network have also been instructed to monitor the possibility of consumers keeping both LPG and PNG connections. Officials said adequate LPG stocks are available. Against a daily demand of around 14,000 cylinders, OMCs currently hold about 19,000 cylinders.