In a decisive move to strengthen energy security and promote cleaner cooking fuel, the Odisha government has asked all district and urban local body administrations to immediately accelerate the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections wherever City Gas Distribution (CGD) infrastructure already exists.
In a letter issued today by the Director of Municipal Administration, Anindam Dakua, IAS, the Housing & Urban Development Department has directed Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers of Municipalities & NACs, and Project Directors of DUDA to work in close coordination with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and CGD entities operating in their areas.
The directive follows a communication from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, which has called for a nationwide drive to promote PNG adoption. The move comes in view of recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz region and aims to reduce dependence on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), enhance energy security, lower the subsidy burden, and minimise risks of diversion and black-marketing of subsidised LPG.
Key actions mandated by the state government:
- Consumers already enjoying PNG connections are being encouraged to surrender their LPG connections voluntarily to avoid redundant usage.
- Eligible LPG consumers living in areas where PNG infrastructure is available or nearby are to be persuaded and facilitated to migrate to PNG.
- Wide-scale awareness campaigns will highlight PNG’s safety, convenience, environmental benefits, and long-term economic advantages.
- Full administrative support will be extended to CGD companies for speedy new connections and quick resolution of local hurdles.
- Urban Local Bodies and other stakeholders have been asked to coordinate closely for smooth implementation.
The letter also draws attention to the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, which was notified in the Odisha Gazette on 28 April 2026. The policy seeks time-bound development of natural gas infrastructure and wider access to clean energy across the state.
Officials have been specifically asked to collaborate with the State Level Apex Committee and local CGD entities to ensure the effective rollout of these measures.
This proactive push positions Odisha at the forefront of India’s clean cooking fuel transition. By making PNG more accessible, the state is not only offering households a safer and more convenient alternative to LPG cylinders but also contributing to national goals of energy security and environmental sustainability.
With coordinated action from the ground level, Odisha is set to witness a significant rise in PNG domestic connections in the coming months — a win for citizens, the environment, and the state’s long-term energy roadmap.
