Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal on Saturday urged authorities to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) connections, citing the possibility of disruption in LPG supply in the coming months due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, reported news agency PTI.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Bhujbal referred to inputs from the Centre indicating that LPG availability could be affected after about three months, prompting the need for alternative fuel infrastructure, reported PTI.
Push for faster approvals and infrastructure rollout
To speed up PNG expansion, Bhujbal said approvals for laying pipelines would be expedited, with inter-departmental permissions deemed granted within 24 hours. The move is aimed at removing bureaucratic delays and ensuring rapid rollout of piped gas connections across urban areas, reported PTI.
He also called on municipal bodies to prioritise PNG infrastructure and scale up implementation at the local level.
High-level meeting reviews LPG supply situation
The minister said he participated in a review meeting in the national capital with Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Hardeep Singh Puri, and Pralhad Joshi, along with state representatives and senior officials, reported PTI.
The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply to domestic and commercial consumers and identifying potential bottlenecks in the distribution system.
PNG seen as cost-effective and sustainable alternative
Highlighting the advantages of piped gas, Bhujbal said PNG is currently more affordable and should be utilised to the maximum extent. He stressed the need to promote wider adoption as a long-term solution to reduce dependence on LPG cylinders, reported PTI.
He further suggested that municipal authorities should make PNG connections mandatory for residential and commercial buildings, similar to water and electricity connections, before issuing occupancy certificates.
Kerosene supply measures to address shortages
Addressing concerns about fuel availability in areas lacking LPG or PNG infrastructure, Bhujbal said the state has permitted the use of kerosene as an interim measure, reported PTI.
He added that steps are being taken to distribute kerosene through fuel stations, and pending renewals of old dealers will be treated as approved to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Balancing short-term relief with long-term transition
The minister emphasised that while immediate steps like kerosene distribution are necessary to manage potential shortages, the long-term focus remains on expanding cleaner and more efficient energy solutions such as PNG, reported PTI.
The push comes amid heightened global uncertainty affecting energy supply chains, with authorities aiming to strengthen resilience and ensure uninterrupted access to cooking fuel for citizens.
(With inputs from PTI)
