Pune: The Maharashtra National Gas Limited (MNGL) has assured its domestic customers in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad that uninterrupted supply would continue of piped natural gas (PNG) for their cooking needs.Vice-president (marketing) of MNGL Sujit Ruikar said residents could rest assured they would not face any problem or shortage of supply. He said priority was being given to allocation of 100% natural gas for domestic use as per the Union govt’s directives. Officials also said PNG supply had not been interrupted and was being adequately distributed among users.The MNGL said it was capable of supplying PNG to over 8 lakh domestic connections and distributing CNG at 125 refilling stations spread across areas in Pune Municipal Corporation and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. The company was receiving supply through the national grid and a disruption was unlikely, said officials and added that MNGL teams were closely monitoring the situation and taking adequate steps.Meanwhile, the MNGL was also working on a possibility to provide piped gas to restaurants and eateries, and meetings were held to discuss options. Pune chapter head of National Restaurants Association of India Saili Jahagirdar said, “We had a productive meeting with MNGL on Friday. They have expedited piped gas connections and allowed extensions from nearby existing lines in a helping hand to the restaurant community.” Officials said necessary steps were being taken.“Many restaurants have understood the importance of shifting to piped gas and have signed up. In the long run, the unit economics work out much better, as piped gas is cheaper than LPG cylinders. MNGL has also assured us that several connections will be fast tracked to help restaurants navigate the current crisis,” said Jahagirdar.
