In order to provide permanent relief to the LPG consumers across the country from the hassle of repeatedly booking LPG cylinders, waiting for delivery and suddenly running out of gas, the government has accelerated the pace of expansion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network. Under the City Gas Distribution (CGD) vision of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), a comprehensive plan has been prepared to start 24-hour uninterrupted gas supply through pipelines in many new urban and semi-urban areas of the country from the month of September. With the implementation of this new system, lakhs of families will not only be freed from the hassle of carrying cylinders and booking refills again and again, but it will also prove to be safe, environment-friendly and extremely economical compared to traditional LPG.
What is PNG gas connection and how is it better than cylinder?
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is primarily natural gas (methane) delivered directly to consumers' kitchens through specialized underground pipeline networks. This facility works like a water tap or electricity connection, with gas flow 24 hours a day.
-
No hassle of cylinder booking: There is no need to book the cylinder at the end of the month, share OTP or wait for the delivery boy to arrive.
-
Postpaid Billing: Like electricity and water bills, every month or two the bill comes only for the amount of gas you have used.
-
Economical and Savings: Using PNG is 15 to 20 percent cheaper than conventional LPG cylinders because there is no transmission wastage or leakage charges.
-
Safe and convenient: Natural gas is lighter than air, so in case of any accidental leakage, it quickly evaporates into the air instead of accumulating in a closed space, which significantly reduces the risk of fire.
Network expansion to new areas and smart gas metering
Under the Government's City Gas Distribution Network, the country's leading gas distribution companies like Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), GAIL Gas, Gujarat Gas and Torrent Gas have completed the infrastructure work in their respective authorized geographical areas. The work of laying and testing pipelines in new residential societies, colonies and townships is in the final stages. State of the art at this stage smart digital meter Are being installed, due to which real-time automatic reading of gas consumption will be recorded directly on the company's server and there will be no possibility of any human error in billing.
Easy way to apply online for domestic PNG connection
New consumers can apply for a new connection sitting at home through the portal or mobile app of the authorized gas distribution company of their area:
-
Visit the company portal or app: Select 'New Domestic Connection' option on the website or app of the authorized gas agency of your city (like IGL, MGL, Adani Total Gas, GAIL etc.).
-
Check location availability: Enter your Pin Code, Society/Mohalla and House Number to check whether the gas pipeline is active in your street or building.
-
Personal Details and Documents: Fill the application form details like name, mobile number, email and address. Along with this, upload digital copy of identity proof (like Voter Card, PAN Card or Passport) and residence proof (electricity bill, sale deed or rent agreement).
-
Payment of Connection Fee: Pay the prescribed security deposit and installation charges through online mode (UPI, Net Banking or Card).
-
Site Visit and Installation: After the application and payment is verified, the authorized technical team will inspect your house, install pipelines and meters and customize your existing gas stove as per the PNG nozzle and start the gas supply.
Steps towards environmental protection and energy self-sufficiency
Domestically, PNG's expansion is directly linked to India's national commitment to 'clean energy' and reducing carbon emissions. Combustion of natural gas produces very little amount of harmful smoke or carbon particles, which reduces indoor air pollution. Along with this, the country's dependence on huge imported LPG will reduce, thereby saving precious foreign exchange at the national level. The government aims to connect 100% eligible urban households of the country to pipeline based clean and safe gas network in the next few years.