LPG shortage ‘spurs’ increase in demand for piped gas in Ranchi Residents in Ranchi are increasingly turning to piped natural gas (PNG) as concerns over LPG supply shortages grow, according to officials. The city gas distribution project, managed by GAIL (India) Limited, has seen a surge in demand for PNG connections, with over 24,000 households already connected and nearly 18,000 using the service regularly. Officials noted that the expansion of the PNG network is progressing, with infrastructure now in place to serve approximately 78,000 homes. This includes nearly 550 km of MDPE pipelines and around 70 km of steel pipes, enabling gas supply to multiple neighborhoods. The initiative has been activated in several areas, including Bariatu, Harmu, Ashok Nagar, MECON Colony, Argora, Pundag, Hatia, Dhurwa, Tupudana, Namkum, Kanke, and parts of Lalpur. GAIL officials reported a steady rise in new applications, with an average of 60-75 domestic PNG connections issued daily. In the past 15 days alone, nearly 900 connections were approved, while approximately 100 consumers registered daily and paid security deposits, signaling a growing preference for piped gas over LPG. The shift is attributed to fears of prolonged LPG shortages, which have led to panic buying and supply disruptions in several cities. Officials emphasized that the expansion of the PNG network aims to address these concerns by providing a reliable alternative for cooking fuel. The project’s infrastructure now supports a significant portion of Ranchi’s residential areas, with ongoing efforts to connect remaining neighborhoods. The government has also urged citizens to avoid hoarding LPG cylinders and to opt for PNG as a more stable option. With the LPG crisis affecting major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata, the push for piped gas is gaining momentum.#gail_india_limited #ranchi #bariatu #harmu #ashok_nagar
