Bhubaneswar: In a bold push toward sustainable energy and resource management, the Government of Odisha has urged consumers and businesses to prioritize Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections as a viable solution to the recent fluctuations in LPG availability. While the Government of India has maintained that there is no nationwide shortage of natural gas, a surge in panic buying and localized distribution delays in the commercial LPG sector has prompted State officials to advocate for a swifter transition to piped infrastructure.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare in Odisha, has actively encouraged domestic and commercial users to make the switch. His recommendation comes as several IT companies and hospitality businesses report challenges in securing consistent stocks of commercial LPG cylinders. Shri Singh highlighted that PNG offers a more reliable, uninterrupted, and cost-effective alternative, shielding users from the logistical hurdles associated with cylinder refills and traditional supply chains.
To support this transition, Shri Singh has formally urged GAIL (India) Limited authorities to expedite the rollout of PNG connections across the state. The focus is specifically on expanding the network to cover high-demand areas, including industrial hubs and residential clusters in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. By accelerating these connections, the state aims to reduce the pressure on the LPG distribution network and provide a “non-stop” energy solution for households and large-scale commercial establishments alike.
GAIL has already intensified its efforts under the National PNG Drive 2.0, a nationwide campaign running through March 2026. In Odisha, the company has successfully commissioned several new connections in major residential societies, such as those in the Khandagiri and Aiginia areas of Bhubaneswar. Additionally, GAIL has extended its commercial piped gas network to sectors in Cuttack, with local businesses already reporting improved operational efficiency and safety after moving away from conventional fuel cylinders.
The shift to PNG is also aligned with the central government’s Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which classifies domestic PNG as a top-priority sector. This ensures that even during periods of global energy volatility, piped gas for households remains protected and uninterrupted. State officials continue to monitor the situation daily, working closely with GAIL and other oil marketing companies to ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand from the IT and service sectors.