PNG

NEWS: Indiaà Significant policy shift in its domestic energy ecosystem, with a growing emphasis on expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections.

Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

• Natural gas delivered directly to households through pipelines.
• Considered a cleaner and more efficient fuel for cooking.
• Eliminates the need for cylinder storage and manual refilling.

Shifting to PNG

• India imports a significant portion of its LPG requirementsàAround 60% is imported, largely from West Asia.
• PNG reduces dependence onà Maritime chokepoints. Limited supplier nations.
• PNGà cheaper than LPG in urban areas.
• PNGà act as a drop-in replacement for LPG.
• Energy differencesà negligible for cooking purposes.

Government initiatives to promote png

• Expansion of pipeline infrastructureàExisting network: ~25,000 km, Under construction: ~10,500 km.
• Targetà 12 crore PNG connections by 2034, Current connections: ~1.5 crore.
• Households discouraged from holding both LPG and PNG connections.
• Expected migration of ~60 lakh households to PNG.
• Focus on urban and semi-urban expansion.

Challenges in expanding PNG

• Pipeline network concentrated in western and northern India.
• Many regions in central, southern, and northeastern India lack connectivity.
• Urban congestion+ regulatory hurdles delay pipeline laying.
• Current domestic production insufficient for large-scale transition.
• Increasing PNG demand may divert gas fromàFertilizer sector (~30% usage), Power sector (~13%), Industries (~35%)
• Import dependency for LNG – LNG imports may increase to meet demand.
• System operates on a just-in-time supply model, making it vulnerable.

Way ahead

• India’s push toward PNGà reflects a strategic shift aimed at enhancing energy security, reducing import dependence, and promoting cleaner fuel usage.
• The gradual expansion of PNG represents a forward-looking transition.
• Successà overcoming infrastructural bottlenecks, ensuring adequate gas supply+ facilitating industrial adaptation.
• Balanced+ phased approach integrating both LPG and PNG àcrucial for achieving India’s long-term energy goals.