Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Gujarat Government has launched an extensive campaign to expand piped natural gas (PNG) connections and increase commercial LPG allocations across the state, aiming to modernise fuel distribution and ensure uninterrupted supply for essential and commercial sectors, reported IANS
Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, Principal Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Mona Khandhar, said the initiative prioritises converting existing LPG users to PNG where the network is available.
“All consumers holding both LPG and PNG connections will be required to use PNG, after which their LPG connections will be surrendered by the oil marketing companies,” she added.
Khandhar said that all data is being shared between PNG companies and oil marketing companies for accurate mapping, and the entire process will be monitored by the District Collector and District Supply Officers.
In areas without PNG networks, the state has increased commercial LPG allocations from 10 to 25 per cent for restaurants, hotels, industrial and corporate canteens, corporate guest houses, and food processing units.
Essential MSME sectors providing widespread employment in each district will receive commercial LPG under a 10 per cent quota.
Hospitals, educational institutes, registered old age homes, orphanages, and long-serving religious and social institutions will continue to receive LPG as before, with hospitals and schools receiving 100 per cent of their requirements, and certain industries, including pharmaceutical, dairy, and seed processing units, receiving 70 per cent.
Institutions providing regular meals for at least a year will continue to receive LPG up to 25 per cent of their requirement.
To strengthen PNG adoption, the state government has introduced strict timelines for processing applications.
In areas with an existing PNG network, pending domestic and commercial applications will be approved within 10 days.