Odisha Pushes PNG Expansion, Urges Shift from LPG in CGD-Covered Areas

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to expand the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) across urban areas, directing district administrations and urban local bodies to speed up the rollout of domestic PNG connections and promote the transition of eligible LPG consumers to the cleaner fuel option.

The directive was issued by Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua to district collectors, municipal commissioners, executive officers of municipalities and NACs, and District Urban Development Agencies. The move aligns with a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to encourage wider adoption of PNG.

Officials said the Centre has emphasized the need to diversify household cooking fuel sources and reduce dependence on LPG, particularly in light of evolving global energy concerns. PNG is being promoted as a safer, environmentally friendly and more convenient alternative for domestic use.

The government believes that increasing PNG adoption will not only strengthen energy security but also help reduce subsidy expenditure and curb instances of diversion and misuse of subsidized LPG cylinders.

Under the initiative, Oil Marketing Companies and City Gas Distribution operators have been asked to encourage households with existing PNG connections to voluntarily surrender their LPG connections. Consumers residing in areas where PNG infrastructure is already available are also being encouraged to switch to the piped fuel network.

The Housing and Urban Development Department highlighted that the Odisha City Gas Distribution Policy, 2026, introduced earlier this year, aims to ensure the timely expansion of natural gas infrastructure and improve access to clean energy throughout the state.

Local authorities have been instructed to work closely with CGD operators and the State Level Apex Committee to create awareness about the benefits of PNG. Campaigns will focus on its safety features, ease of use, environmental advantages and long-term cost effectiveness.

Urban local bodies have also been directed to provide necessary administrative support, resolve implementation hurdles and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of the policy.

The state government expects the initiative to accelerate the transition to cleaner cooking fuels and strengthen Odisha’s urban natural gas network in the coming years.