Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all district administrations and urban local bodies to expedite the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) domestic connections and facilitate the migration of eligible LPG consumers to PNG in areas where City Gas Distribution (CGD) infrastructure is already operational.
In a communication issued on Thursday, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua informed Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs, and District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs) that the initiative follows directions from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
According to the Ministry, recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz region have underscored the need to reduce dependence on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The Centre has consequently launched a nationwide drive to promote PNG as a cleaner, safer and more convenient cooking fuel.
The move is aimed at strengthening energy security, reducing the government’s subsidy burden and minimizing the risks of diversion and black-marketing of LPG.
As part of the initiative, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and City Gas Distribution entities have been tasked with encouraging households that already have PNG connections to voluntarily surrender their LPG connections to avoid redundant usage and prevent misuse of subsidized LPG. They have also been asked to facilitate the migration of eligible LPG consumers residing in areas where PNG infrastructure is available.
The Housing and Urban Development Department noted that the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, was notified on April 28 this year to facilitate time-bound development of natural gas infrastructure and promote wider access to clean energy across the state.
The department has instructed local authorities to collaborate with the State Level Apex Committee and CGD operators to encourage voluntary migration from LPG to PNG, conduct awareness campaigns on the safety, convenience, environmental and economic benefits of PNG, and provide administrative support for the rapid expansion of PNG networks.
Urban local bodies have also been asked to coordinate with local stakeholders to address implementation challenges and ensure effective execution of the objectives outlined under the Odisha CGD Policy, 2026, and directions issued by the Central government from time to time.
The state government expects the measures to accelerate the adoption of cleaner cooking fuel and strengthen the natural gas distribution network in urban areas across Odisha.