Pune: As commercial LPG supplies remain erratic, a parallel push to expand piped natural gas (PNG) is gathering pace across Pune. Over 40 restaurants and more than 20 industries have switched to PNG in recent weeks, and dozens more are in the pipeline.“Recently, around 35 industrial units signed up for PNG connections, adding to a growing queue of applicants seeking to move away from cylinder dependence. More than 10 industrial units have already been commissioned over the past few weeks. Teams have been engaging directly with industrial clusters in Bhosari, Chakan, Talegaon and Hinjewadi, while working with MIDC officials to expedite approval timelines and clear pending connections,” a Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) official told TOI.
The commercial segment, hit hardest by the LPG shortage, is driving much of the momentum. Restaurants and small eateries that have struggled with irregular cylinder supplies are now opting for PNG, where pipelines are available. Over 40 such connections have been activated in recent weeks, with a further 100 to 125 commercial units expected to be added in the near term.MNGL officials said permissions for road digging and pipeline work are being cleared faster, and connection processes that earlier stretched over weeks are now being expedited, especially in areas with existing infrastructure.“The city’s gas pipeline network now spans about 2,500km. The next three months are expected to see a surge in last-mile expansion as more pockets are brought under coverage. There is also a parallel push to tap into underutilised domestic infrastructure. While PNG lines have already reached over 8 lakh households in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, only about half are actively using the service. With LPG supplies uncertain, that gap is now being seen as low-hanging fruit for quick conversion,” the MNGL official said.He added that PNG supply has remained stable despite global fuel disruptions, unlike LPG, which continues to face constraints.MNGL officials indicated that connections are being released almost immediately in areas with existing pipeline networks, while new areas still depend on ongoing infrastructure expansion.MNGL has also introduced financial incentives across segments. Restaurants, hotels and bakeries can save up to Rs 1 lakh on new commercial PNG connections, while offers for domestic consumers include waiver of application fees and a discount of around Rs 500 on the first bill, effectively reducing piped gas connection costs by up to Rs 1,550.
