Patna: Amid LPG shortages and mounting panic among consumers triggered by volatility in global energy markets due to the West Asia conflict, the state capital is steadily accelerating a shift towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to ensure a safer and uninterrupted cooking fuel supply. The Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has so far provided connections to over 30,800 households in Patna and plans to expand the network to at least 70,000 more homes in the coming months.According to GAIL officials, PNG connectivity has so far expanded across high-density stretches from Danapur to Gandhi Maidan along Bailey Road, with areas such as Boring Road and Anisabad also integrated into the network. The focus is now on govt residential zones, including Gardanibagh, R Block and areas along the bypass.AK Sinha, general manager and district in charge of GAIL, said the initial cost for a PNG connection is Rs500, with billing based on actual consumption. “Once formalities are completed, setting up the pipeline and making it operational usually takes around three days,” he said, adding that PNG is around 20% cheaper than LPG and significantly safer. “Being lighter than air, PNG disperses quickly in case of leakage, unlike LPG cylinders, which can accumulate and pose hazards,” Sinha noted.Residents who have switched to PNG say the system offers convenience and peace of mind. Gitu Sinha, a user for the past three months, said the elimination of monthly cylinder refills has been a major relief. “Handling cylinders every few weeks is tiring. With PNG, the supply is continuous and hassle-free,” she said.Mukul Verma, a resident of Jagdeo Path and a PNG consumer for five years, echoed similar views. “For a family of three or four, the monthly bill rarely exceeds Rs800, which is cheaper than LPG. The gas pressure is regulated, and safety concerns are minimal,” he said.Officials said demand for PNG is gradually rising, with 22 new domestic applications received in Patna on Sunday alone. However, expansion in certain pockets remains challenging due to ongoing metro rail and other infrastructure projects that restrict pipeline work.Patna DM Thiyagarajan S M, during a meeting on Sunday, said GAIL is organising special camps to facilitate Domestic Piped Natural Gas (DPNG) connections. He urged residents to switch to the cleaner fuel, noting that applications can be completed easily through online and digital platforms.Authorities have also appealed to PNG users to surrender their LPG connections, clarifying that households using PNG will neither be issued LPG refills nor permitted to retain cylinders, as the city moves towards a wider transition to piped gas.
