VIJAYAWADA: In a major push to reduce dependence on LPG cylinders, meet rising urban energy demand and promote cleaner fuel systems, AP is expanding its PNG network across cities and towns while creating employment opportunities for youth through specialised technical training programmes.
The state is positioning PNG as a long-term alternative for households, apartments, commercial establishments and public institutions, while also focusing on simplified access for tenants and mandatory PNG connectivity for major temples conducting annadanam programmes. Officials aim to accelerate PNG connectivity and improve uninterrupted cooking gas supply across urban and semi-urban regions.
Authorities believe pipeline-based gas supply will reduce logistical challenges associated with LPG cylinder transportation and delivery while ensuring continuous fuel access.
‘’We are accelerating PNG expansion across AP with special awareness campaigns in all districts. Youth will be trained in PNG technical skills through the AP Skill Development Corporation to create employment opportunities. Women self-help groups will be involved in PNG promotion, while major temples conducting annadanam will mandatorily shift to PNG usage. We will also simplify rules for tenants using PNG connections and availing government subsidies,” said Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar. As per data, the State has 66,892 domestic PNG household connections and 464 commercial PNG connections (As of March) across various gas distribution entities. Bhagyanagar Gas Limited (BGL) is providing 34,122 household and 208 commercial connections. Megha Gas has established 16,089 domestic and 158 commercial connections, while AG&P accounts for 12,935 household and 71 commercial connections. GGPL has provided 2,579 domestic and 23 commercial connections, whereas IOCL has recorded 1,167 household and four commercial PNG connections.
Currently, one Standard Cubic Metre (SCM) of PNG (Equivalent to around 0.76 kg or 760 grams of gas) is being supplied to domestic consumers at Rs 52 to Rs 60 while commercial consumers are paying between Rs 95 and Rs 114 per SCM depending on supplying company and usage category.
To accelerate the rollout, approvals required for laying pipeline networks and establishing PNG filling infrastructure are being streamlined.
Employment generation
Employment generation has emerged as a key objective behind the aggressive PNG expansion strategy. Authorities are planning training programmes for students from ITIs, polytechnic colleges and vocational institutions through the AP Skill Development Corporation.
It aims to create a skilled workforce capable of handling PNG installation, maintenance, and operational requirements.
Special focus on temples
Special focus is on temples that conduct daily annadanam programmes and consume large quantities of cooking fuel.
Prominent temples including Kanaka Durga Temple and Srikalahasteeswara Temple are among areas identified for faster PNG implementation, with efforts underway to resolve infrastructure-related issues.