Expansion of PNG Network

What was asked, and of whom?

The question asked about the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network, specifically whether it covered over six hundred districts as of July 2026, and related details on gas-based economy, fiscal incentives, transportation tariffs, and price comparisons with LPG. The ministry responsible for answering was the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Who asked / answered

Smt. Bharti Pardhi, Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne (asked); Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (answered)

What the government said

• PNG (Domestic) segment allocation at administered prices (ceiling USD 7 per MMBtu for FY 2026-27)
• 105% of actual PNG (Domestic) consumption allocated for expansion
• 309 Geographical Areas (GAs) authorized for CGD network development, covering 683 districts
• 1,70,69,775 Domestic PNG connections as of 31.05.2026
• 6,71,387 Inch-Km pipeline laid
• Unified Tariff rationalized with Zone-1 tariff (Rs. 54.00/MMBTU) and Zone-2 tariff (Rs. 110.02/MMBTU) effective 01.04.2026
• National PNG Drive 2.0 launched from 1st Jan 2026 to 30th June 2026
• Comprehensive control order under Essential Commodities Act, 1955 dated 24.03.2026 for pipeline infrastructure expansion

Points worth noting

• No subsidy/fiscal incentive currently provided by Government to CGD entities for PNG infrastructure development
• PNG (Domestic) prices kept stable and affordable despite Middle East crisis
• Transportation charges reduced by nearly 50% for consumers beyond 300 km due to tariff rationalization
• Government notified Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 on 09.03.2026, withdrawn on 04.07.2026