Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards clean energy adoption, the Odisha Government has directed district administrations and urban local bodies across the state to expedite the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) domestic connections and facilitate the migration of eligible Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) consumers to PNG in areas where the infrastructure is already available.

The directive has been issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department following a communication from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. The initiative seeks to promote PNG as a cleaner, safer and more sustainable cooking fuel while reducing dependence on LPG.

In a letter addressed to all District Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs, and Project Directors of District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs), Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, called for coordinated efforts with City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities to ensure rapid expansion of PNG connections across urban areas.

The Centre has highlighted the need to accelerate PNG adoption in view of recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz region and concerns over India's dependence on imported LPG. According to the communication, the nationwide initiative is aimed at strengthening energy security, reducing the government's subsidy burden and minimising the diversion and black-marketing of subsidised LPG cylinders.

Under the programme, consumers who already have PNG domestic connections will be encouraged to voluntarily surrender their LPG connections to avoid redundant usage. Similarly, eligible LPG consumers residing in areas where PNG infrastructure has been established or is available nearby will be persuaded and assisted in switching to PNG.

The State Government has instructed local authorities to undertake extensive awareness campaigns highlighting the safety, convenience, environmental advantages and economic benefits of PNG. Urban local bodies have also been asked to provide administrative support to CGD operators, help resolve local issues and facilitate coordination among stakeholders for the smooth implementation of the programme.

Odisha implements CGD Policy 2026 to expand natural gas infrastructure

Officials said the initiative aligns with the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, which was notified on April 28 this year to promote time-bound development of natural gas infrastructure and expand access to clean energy across the state.

The policy aims to accelerate the rollout of city gas networks and strengthen the state's clean energy ecosystem. Authorities believe wider PNG adoption will ensure uninterrupted cooking fuel supply to households, reduce dependence on conventional fuels and contribute to environmental sustainability.

The government has directed all concerned agencies to work closely with the State Level Apex Committee and CGD entities operating within their jurisdictions to ensure effective implementation of PNG expansion initiatives and achieve the objectives laid down under the Odisha CGD Policy, 2026.

The move is being viewed as a significant step towards building a cleaner, more energy-efficient urban ecosystem in Odisha while supporting the national goal of expanding natural gas infrastructure and promoting cleaner domestic fuel alternatives.