Hyderabad: Even as the Centre pushes a shift from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG), adoption in the city remains limited, with most households sticking to cylinders despite pipeline access at their doorstep.Data from Bhagyanagar Gas Limited (BGL), a joint venture of Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), shows that over 2.1 lakh PNG connections have been laid across apartments and gated communities across the city. However, only around 80,000 households actively use the service, leaving more than 60% of the network underutilised.The connections are largely concentrated in Kompally, Shameerpet, Bachupally, Chandanagar, BHEL, Miyapur and Kothaguda. In contrast, LPG continues to dominate with over 14 lakh connections across Greater Hyderabad, limiting PNG’s share to about 5%.The slow uptake comes amid the Centre’s plan to eventually halt LPG supply in areas where PNG infrastructure is available, positioning piped gas as a reliable alternative during supply disruptions.Officials attribute the sluggish adoption to infrastructure bottlenecks. Expanding the network involves extensive groundwork, including road cutting, pipeline laying and internal building connections.“Delays in permissions and coordination with civic bodies such as GHMC have slowed progress. Clearances for excavation and pipeline laying often take months,” a senior BGL official said.Despite these challenges, adoption is gradually improving, with around 2,000 new consumers being added every month. Commercial uptake, however, remains limited, with only about 200 establishments connected.Consumers who have switched cite convenience and reliability. “I’ve been using PNG for five years and never faced supply issues, even during LPG shortages. It’s also cheaper,” said Rajeev Amaram, a resident of Kompally.HOW IT REACHES YOUR KITCHEN • Gas travels via trunk pipelines to city gate stations• Distributed across city through underground MDPE pipes• Pressure regulated at building level• Riser line carries gas to individual floors• Meter records usage for billing• Final supply reaches stove via pipe and flexible tubePros• 24/7 supply, no cylinder booking or storage• Safer because gas disperses quickly on leaks• Pay-as-you-use and a cleaner fuelCons• High upfront installation cost• Limited to pipeline-connected areas• Fixed connection, low portability
