Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has signaled a major shift toward urban energy efficiency, placing primary focus on the rapid expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections during a high-level meeting held today.
To ensure a seamless energy supply across the state, Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Shri Krushna Chandra Patra and Minister of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra met with senior officials and oil company executives to streamline the transition from traditional LPG cylinders to a more stable pipeline infrastructure.
Principal Secretary Food Supply and Consumer Welfare, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh detailed out the scope of PNG Connections in the State.
Minister Shri Patra issued a clear directive that once a household or facility receives a PNG connection, they must be removed from the LPG distribution list to optimize resources. To facilitate this transition, District Collectors have been ordered to provide full cooperation to gas companies, ensuring that pipeline laying work proceeds without delays.
Urban Development Minister Dr. Mohapatra emphasized that reducing urban reliance on LPG is a top priority. He urged all government and commercial establishments to switch to PNG immediately, noting that the Housing and Urban Development Department will fast-track all necessary permissions. With the Rath Yatra approaching, the state has specifically ordered that PNG infrastructure be prioritized in Puri to handle the seasonal surge in demand.
To protect consumers during this transition, Principal Secretary Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh mandated 100 percent implementation of the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) and biometric verification. These steps are designed to eliminate “ghost deliveries” and black marketing. He assured the public that the state is monitoring the fuel and gas situation 24/7 through a dedicated control room, while oil companies confirmed they are maintaining a five-day buffer stock with priority delivery to schools, hospitals, and Anganwadis.