New Delhi, October 1 (APAC Media): Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri today launched National PNG Drive 3.0, aimed at accelerating the adoption of piped natural gas (PNG) across India. The drive will run from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with a focus on expanding household access and activating dormant connections.Â
The government also aims to reduce dependence on LPG and make greater use of the existing gas distribution infrastructure.
Daily PNG Connections to Double
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), city gas distribution (CGD) entities, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and other stakeholders.Â
Under PNG Drive 3.0, the government plans to increase the pace of new connections to 20,000 per day, double the current rate of around 10,000 connections a day.Â
Focus on 50 Lakh New Connections
The drive targets 50 lakh new domestic PNG (DPNG) connections, activation of 40 lakh dormant connections, and another 50 lakh DPNG registrations during the six-month campaign.
With around 6,87,966 inch-km of pipeline already laid across the country, the government estimates a potential for another 1.30 crore connections. The campaign will focus on maximising existing CGD networks, expanding PNG access in semi-urban and rural areas, and bringing new consumers onto the network.
Building on PNG Drive 2.0
The latest initiative builds on the progress achieved under PNG Drive 2.0, which resulted in 12.10 lakh connections, 13.37 lakh billed connections, and 15.31 lakh DPNG registrations.
During the previous drive, daily DPNG additions increased by 43%, while additions of billed consumers rose by 166%.
The government aims to use the latest campaign to further expand access to cleaner, reliable, and affordable natural gas while supporting its broader objective of increasing natural gas’s share in India’s primary energy mix.
Also Read
Oil Firms Hike Commercial LPG Cylinder Price by Rs 62.50 from October 1 Amid Festive Season
