Pune Residents Increasingly Opt for Piped Natural Gas Over Cylinders

PUNE: A growing number of Pune residents are choosing piped natural gas (PNG) over traditional gas cylinders, citing continuous supply, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use as major reasons for the switch. According to recent statistics from Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL), over 6 lakh 25 thousand homes are now connected to their PNG service.

In the financial year 2022-23 alone, approximately 1 lakh 4 thousand households added PNG connections. This number increased to 1 lakh 20 thousand in the following year. Moreover, the consumption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles has also seen an uptick, with MNGL currently serving around 4 lakh 40 thousand vehicles through 120 CNG stations.

Sanjay Sharma, a director at MNGL, commented on the trend: “Pune and Pimpri are witnessing a massive expansion in our PNG network. The stable price, along with improved infrastructure, is encouraging more users to switch to PNG.”

PNG (Piped Natural Gas) has several advantages over cylinder gas. It offers an uninterrupted gas supply, which eliminates the need for cylinder registration and waiting for delivery. Moreover, it is considered safer and more environmentally friendly than cylinder gas, making it a cost-effective option. Customers appreciate the billing system, which is based on actual consumption every two months.

Currently, the price per standard cubic meter of PNG has reduced from Rs. 57 in April 2023 to Rs. 49.90, followed by a further decrease to Rs. 51.30 in February 2024.

A Pune resident and PNG user, Rupali, shared her experience: “Switching to PNG has been economical compared to cylinders. It’s mainly the hassle-free service—no more booking cylinders or waiting for deliveries—that makes it worthwhile. And the fact that gas prices have decreased helps as well.”

MNGL has ambitious plans to continue expanding its service, aiming to significantly increase its number of connections over the next five years. Their network currently stretches over 2,300 kilometres, servicing not only Pune but also neighbouring areas like Pimpri-Chinchwad, Hinjewadi, Chakan, and Talegaon.

As more households and businesses recognize the benefits of PNG, MNGL is committed to ensuring a reliable and sustainable gas supply that meets the growing demand in the region.