Odisha speeds up City Gas network amid LPG supply crunch
Bhubaneswar, Mar 18 (UNI) In a major push to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on volatile global fuel markets, the Odisha Government has drawn up an emergency roadmap to fast-track the expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network across the state.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, officials assessed key bottlenecks in gas infrastructure development and outlined urgent steps to accelerate the rollout of city gas projects.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, and Principal Secretary of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department Sanjay Kumar Singh.
Representatives from major energy companies, including GAIL, BPCL, and Adani Total Gas, also participated in the discussions.
The key objective of the initiative is to encourage households and commercial establishments, such as hospitals, hotels, and restaurants, to shift from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Officials believe this transition will provide a more reliable and cost-stable energy source for consumers.
Following the review meeting, the state administration directed that all necessary administrative approvals and infrastructure development work related to PNG and CNG be completed on a “war footing.”
The decision comes in the wake of disruptions in global petroleum supply chains caused by the current geopolitical situation, which has led to limited availability of LPG in the market.
Under the Essential Commodities Act of the Government of India, the state has prioritised the use of natural gas as an alternative fuel.
Since natural gas is largely sourced domestically, it is expected to offer long-term price stability for both domestic and commercial users.
To ensure that the infrastructure work is completed by June 30, 2026, the Odisha Government has announced a series of urgent measures.
All pending applications for pipeline laying with municipal corporations, the Works Department, and the Water Resources Department will be cleared within 24 hours.
Urban local bodies have also been directed to waive road restoration fees and permission charges for city gas companies to facilitate faster project execution.
Considering the emergency situation, city gas companies have been allowed to carry out construction work around the clock to accelerate the rollout of the network.
In addition, a state-level nodal officer will be appointed to coordinate efforts among the Industries, Urban Development, and Food Supplies Departments.
Energy companies such as GAIL, BPCL, and Adani Total Gas have also been encouraged to offer subsidies or concessional rates for PNG connections to domestic consumers in order to promote wider adoption.
Official sources said the Odisha Government remains committed to protecting citizens from the impact of the global energy crisis while building a self-reliant and sustainable fuel infrastructure in the state.
