India can comfortably cater to PNG demand: govt., Pg1

Key Highlights:

• India can support 30 crore PNG connections using only domestic LNG production, according to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
• India currently has 1.1-1.2 crore active PNG connections consuming 3 million metric standard cubic meters of natural gas daily.
• India's natural gas production is 90 million metric standard cubic meters per day.
• The government aims to increase new PNG connections to 20,000 per day.
• A gazette notification on March 24 introduced norms to accelerate PNG adoption.

Detailed Insights:

• Escalating tensions in West Asia have prompted the government to incentivize a transition to PNG to alleviate pressure on LPG supplies.
• The government is actively granting permissions and municipal corporations are collaborating to achieve the target of 20,000 PNG connections per day.
• The accelerated push for PNG and pipeline expansion allows City Gas Distributors (CGDs) to utilize available capital more rapidly.
• The transition to PNG aims to provide a cleaner and more sustainable energy source for domestic consumption, aligning with environmental goals.
• Scaling up PNG infrastructure will reduce reliance on imported LPG, enhancing energy security and reducing the impact of global supply disruptions.

Key Concepts Involved:

• City Gas Distributors (CGDs): Companies authorized to develop and operate city gas distribution networks, supplying PNG and CNG to various sectors.