Parliament Question: Expansion of Natural Gas Access

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3150 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6th August, 2026 EXPANSION OF NATURAL GAS ACCESS

3150. SHRI CHAVAN RAVINDRA VASANTRAO:

SHRI BIPLAB KUMAR DEB: पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ी

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of the measures undertaken for expansion of access to natural gas for domestic, commercial and institutional consumers; and

(b) the details of the steps/measures undertaken to promote the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and the other alternative clean fuels among consumers along with the progress achieved under the said measures so far, particularly in Tripura? ANSWER पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ालय म(cid:336) रा(cid:475) मं(cid:361)ी ((cid:373)ी सुरेश गोपी) MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) and (b) Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections is part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which inter alia include creation of pipeline infrastructure and other facilities for the supply of PNG to domestic, commercial and institutional consumers. This is being carried out by entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). After completion of 12/12A CGD bidding round, in order to increase usage of Natural Gas, a cleaner fuel, PNGRB has authorized entities for the development of CGD network in 309 Geographical Areas

(GAs), covering the entire mainland area of the country. As on 31.05.2026, the authorized entities have provided more than 1.70 crore PNG (D) connections, 52,143 PNG (commercial) connections, 22,256 PNG (industrial) connections and established 8,936 CNG stations across the country.

In the state of Tripura, PNGRB has authorized 5 Geographical Areas (GA) covering all districts in the state for development of CGD network. As on 31.05.2026, the authorised CGD entities have

provided 71,344 PNG (D) connections, 567 commercial connections and 48 industrial connections in the state.

Government has taken various steps to expand access to natural gas for the CNG (Transport) and PNG (Domestic) sectors across the country. These include priority allocation of domestic natural gas, diversion of gas from non-priority sectors, advance allocation on a two-quarter basis, and according priority to CNG (T)/PNG (D) in the allocation of gas from Deepwater, Ultra Deepwater and High Pressure-High Temperature discoveries, wherever proportionate distribution is required. Further, the Government has undertaken infrastructure measures including expansion of the CGD network andthe National Gas Grid, development of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals, grant of Public Utility Status to CGD projects, etc.

Government is also promoting Compressed Biogas (CBG) as a clean alternative fuel through initiatives such as SATAT and GOBARdhan, including measures for assured offtake by Oil and Gas Marketing Companies, development of infrastructure for injection of CBG into the CGD network and National Gas Grid, support for biomass aggregation and phased mandatory sale of CBG in the CNG

(T) and PNG (D) segments.

PNGRB, in collaboration with CGD entities, launched the National PNG Drive 2.0 from 1st January 2026 to 30th June 2026. PNGRB has informed that the initiative aims to ensure optimal utilization of existing infrastructure, promote new connections and activate non-billed customers, with an overall objective to increase the usage of natural gas across the diverse user categories. Under the initiative, various measures have been implemented by the Government and authorized CGD entities,

including: i. Expansion of PNG connectivity to households, commercial establishments and industries; ii. Conversion of connected households into active billed consumers; iii. Awareness campaigns and consumer outreach programmes;

iv. Coordination with State Governments and local authorities for expeditious statutory permissions; and v. Implementation of consumer-friendly measures, including digital registration, simplified connection processes and promotional schemes offered by CGD entities.

Government have also notified a comprehensive control order dated 24.03.2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to facilitate time-bound expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the country, especially CGD. The Order provides a uniform framework for grant of right of way (RoW) and permissions by mandating strict timelines, enabling deemed approvals in case of delays, and prohibiting imposition of unauthorized charges by public authorities. It also addresses access issues in residential and private areas by ensuring non-discriminatory and time-bound permissions, thereby removing key bottlenecks in pipeline laying.

PNGRB has rationalised the Unified Tariff by reducing tariff zones from three to two and notified transportation tariffs of Rs. 54.00/MMBTU for Zone-1 (up to 300 km) and Rs. 110.02/MMBTU for Zone-2 (beyond 300 km), effective from 01.04.2026. Zone-1 tariff has been extended nationwide for CNG (T) and PNG (D), resulting in nearly 50% reduction in transportation charges for consumers beyond 300 km. The reduction in transportation charges contributes to lowering the delivered cost of natural gas for industries, particularly those located in regions beyond 300 km from the gas source, subject to other applicable cost components.

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