The Centre has stepped up efforts to expand the use of piped natural gas (PNG) in households, asking States and Union Territories to provide district level administrative support to speed up the transition from LPG to piped cooking gas.
The Petroleum Ministry has sought the appointment of nodal officers at the district level who can coordinate with gas distributors and oil marketing companies to help overcome implementation challenges and accelerate PNG adoption.
States Asked to Strengthen Local Coordination
In a letter dated August 21 to State Chief Secretaries, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal highlighted the need for stronger coordination at the local level to support the expansion of PNG connections.
The proposed nodal officers would work with gas distributors and oil marketing companies, helping coordinate efforts related to household conversion and addressing issues that could slow the rollout of PNG infrastructure.
Centre Highlights PNG's Advantages
The Petroleum Ministry described PNG as a safer, cleaner and more efficient cooking fuel, positioning its wider adoption as an important part of India's broader energy transition.
Unlike LPG cylinders, which need to be transported and delivered to individual households, PNG is supplied through pipelines. The government says this can reduce the logistical burden associated with LPG distribution while offering consumers a more convenient supply system.
Part of India's Energy Transition
The push for greater PNG adoption comes as India seeks to expand cleaner energy options across different sectors. Increasing the use of natural gas in household cooking is being presented as one way to support this transition while improving the reliability and convenience of fuel supply.
However, expanding PNG access also depends on the availability of pipeline infrastructure and effective coordination between government agencies, distributors and energy companies. The success of the initiative will therefore depend not only on appointing district-level officers but also on ensuring that the necessary infrastructure reaches more households.
What the Move Means for Consumers
For households located in areas with established PNG networks, a shift from LPG to piped gas could provide a more continuous cooking fuel supply and reduce dependence on cylinder deliveries.The Centre latest directive aims to strengthen the administrative machinery needed to make that transition faster, with district level officials expected to serve as a coordination point between local authorities, gas distributors and oil marketing companies.
The initiative reflects the government's broader attempt to expand access to piped natural gas and make household energy use more closely aligned with India's long-term energy transition goals.