Nagpur: Industrial units across MIDC areas are being urged to transition from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) as the state accelerates rollout of city gas distribution (CGD) networks amid an ongoing fuel crunch.An advisory issued by the MIDC Industries Association (MIA) has asked units located in areas where PNG infrastructure is available to begin applying for connections. The move follows directions issued after a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary, where departments were instructed to facilitate quicker adoption of PNG.Industry stakeholders clarified that no formal deadline has been notified for the transition. MIA president P Mohan said the June 30 timeline has only emerged during discussions and should not be treated as a cut-off. “There is a broader push to shift to PNG, but no official circular mandates discontinuation of LPG from a specific date,” he said.The shift comes at a time when LPG shortage has disrupted operations in several industrial clusters due to the ongoing West Asia conflict, with units reporting supply inconsistencies affecting production schedules and operational costs. To streamline the transition, authorities have been directed to enable faster clearances and coordinate with industry bodies. Permissions for laying pipelines along roads will be deemed granted within 24 hours, subject to restoration norms, removing a key bottleneck in network expansion.On the ground, the pipeline network has begun extending across key growth corridors in Nagpur district. Areas such as Butibori, Jamtha, Mihan, Wanadongri and Hingna are witnessing active expansion, which fall within the current reach of the PNG grid. Officials indicated that this expansion reflects the gradual penetration of CGD infrastructure into both industrial and residential zones.Sources said that in coming days, areas where PNG pipelines are operational are likely to see mandatory adoption of PNG services across residential, commercial and industrial segments, indicating a stronger policy push towards cleaner fuel usage.Mohan said that infrastructure readiness remains a key factor, particularly in high-demand zones such as Hingna, where LPG consumption is estimated at 50-75 metric tonne. A joint meeting between MIDC officials, industry representatives and the gas distribution company is scheduled to work out a phased and practical implementation roadmap.
