India Targets 126 Million PNG Connections, 18,000 CNG Stations in Next Decade
Pune: Torrent CNG Prices Increased By Rs 2/kg; Revised Rates Effective From Midnight
PNGRB pushes states on policy reforms and VAT rationalisation to expand clean fuel infrastructure.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is pushing ahead with ambitious plans to expand the country’s natural gas infrastructure, aiming for 126.3 million piped natural gas (PNG) connections and 18,336 compressed natural gas (CNG) stations by 2034.
To accelerate progress, PNGRB has been holding discussions with chief ministers and top officials of several states, including Assam, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Policy Push for Clean Fuels
The talks focused on rationalising VAT on domestic PNG and CNG to make cleaner fuels more affordable for consumers. PNGRB also encouraged states to adopt comprehensive City Gas Distribution (CGD) policies to simplify approvals and boost infrastructure rollout. States were assured of regulatory and operational support in the process.
Progress So Far
As of July 2025, 11 states have already notified CGD policies: Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
307 geographical areas (GAs) have been authorised, covering a large portion of the population.
The regulator said this coordinated effort, along with state-level initiatives, will be critical to meeting India’s long-term clean energy and gas infrastructure goals.
