CNG, PNG Infrastructure In India To Be Bolstered As Petroleum Minister Launches Work On Gas Network In 50 More Places

The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday (26 August) launched the work on developing infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) networks in 50 more places, reports The Hindu BusinessLine.

A commencement of work ceremony was held for these areas awarded under the tenth city gas distribution (CGD) bidding round for development of CGD network.

Speaking at the occasion, Pradhan said, “From 34 Geographical Areas in 2014, the CGD network is being expanded to 288 gas authorities throughout the country covering nearly 50 per cent of the geography and catering to nearly 70 per cent of the Indian population,”

As per the minimum work program approved by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) for the tenth round, 2.02 crore PNG domestic connections will be provided, 3578 CNG stations will open, and 0.58 lakh Inch-km steel pipeline will be laid, an official statement said.

The gas grid presently is 16,788 km, and work is in progress for additional 14,788 km, the statement said.

The minister said that long term contracts have been signed for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), and its sources are being diversified.

“Household PNG connections have also seen a rise from 25.4 lakh consumers in 2014 to 50.43 lakh consumers today. In the last five years, the number of domestic PNG connections, CNG vehicles and CNG stations have more than doubled. The present share of gas in the energy mix in the country is 6.2 per cent compared to 24 per cent globally, and the aim is to increase share of natural gas to 15 per cent by 2030,” Pradhan added.