Vijayawada: Despite the state government's strong push to promote piped natural gas (PNG) connections for both domestic and commercial users, and efforts to encourage LPG consumers to switch over to PNG wherever infrastructure is available, Andhra Pradesh currently has fewer than 70,000 active PNG connections across both segments.
AP had 65,661 PNG connections before the LPG supply disruption caused by the West Asia conflict, and has so far added only 2,827 new connections, taking the total to 68,488. This comes even after the announcement to extend the Deepam scheme benefits to eligible LPG beneficiary families to facilitate their transition to PNG.
Potential for Expansion
According to the state civil supplies department data, around 2.52 lakh households can potentially be converted to PNG connections with the existing infrastructure. State Civil Supplies Department Director Nupur Ajay Kumar said, 'About five city gas distribution (CGD) agencies have laid PNG infrastructure in various parts of the state.'
CGD Agencies and Coverage
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has a PNG network in parts of Gajuwaka, Parawada and Mangalagiri. Bhagyanaagar Gas Limited operates in Vijayawada and Kakinada. Megha Gas has a distribution network in parts of Krishna and NTR districts, including Vijayawada, Gannavaram and Eluru. Godavari Gas Private Limited (GGPL) operates in parts of Amalapuram, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Tadepalligudem and Kovvur. AG&P (Think Gas) has a network in parts of Tirupati, Nellore, Gudur, Anantapur and Renigunta, covering the Rayalaseema districts.
Reasons for Low Adoption
Kumar attributed the lukewarm response to PNG adoption to lack of awareness about its benefits. 'Given the lack of awareness among LPG users regarding the benefits of PNG, the state government introduced the Deepam subsidy to encourage more consumers to switch. The civil supplies department is leaving no stone unturned to enhance PNG connections where infrastructure is available. Currently, the department, in coordination with district administrations, is encouraging households in apartment complexes to switch to PNG usage,' she added.
