Big Push for PNG as Government Orders 24-Hour Approval and Fee Waivers for Gas Projects

The central government has directed states to grant approvals within 24 hours and waive fees to accelerate City Gas Distribution (CGD) pipeline projects. Efforts are underway to reduce dependence on LPG by promoting PNG.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma

Updated : 17 March 2026, 10:53 PM IST

Government Speeds Up Gas Connections with 24-Hour Approval (Image Source: Internet)

New Delhi: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed states and Union Territories to grant 'deemed approval' to all pending files related to City Gas Distribution (CGD) pipelines.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma stated that instructions have been issued to approve new applications within 24 hours to ensure that work proceeds at an accelerated pace, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

Relief in Fees and Relaxation of Regulations

The central government has also urged the states to: Waive road restoration and permission charges. Relax regulations regarding working hours and weather-related restrictions. Appoint nodal officers to ensure better coordination. This initiative is expected to expedite the pipeline laying process.

Plan to Promote PNG

The government's objective is to encourage as many people as possible to adopt Piped Natural Gas (PNG), thereby reducing dependence on LPG.

India imports approximately 60% of its LPG requirements, 90% of which is supplied via the Strait of Hormuz—a route currently at risk due to prevailing global tensions.

Increase in LPG Production

According to the government, domestic LPG production has witnessed a 38% increase following directives issued to maintain supply levels.

Additionally, Rajesh Kumar Sinha noted that tankers currently positioned near the Strait of Hormuz are loaded with approximately 300,000 metric tonnes of LPG.

Companies Offering Incentives

Several gas companies are offering incentives to encourage customers to switch to PNG:

Indraprastha Gas Limited and GAIL Gas: Up to ₹500 worth of free gas.

Mahanagar Gas Limited: Waiver of the ₹500 registration fee.

Bharat Petroleum: Relief regarding the security deposit.

Pipeline Network and Relief Measures

According to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), approval has been granted for over 34,000 km of pipelines across the country, a significant portion of which is already operational.

Furthermore, in light of the current global crisis, the PNGRB has waived 'imbalance charges' until June 30 to ensure the uninterrupted flow of gas supplies.