Dehradun Authorities Ramp Up PNG Connections to Tackle LPG Shortage
In response to a critical liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shortage impacting both households and businesses, authorities in Dehradun are accelerating the deployment of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure. This strategic shift comes as commercial establishments, in particular, face operational disruptions due to fuel scarcity, prompting a swift transition to alternative energy sources.
Surge in Domestic PNG Connections
Recent data reveals a significant uptick in domestic PNG connections in Dehradun, with numbers climbing from 1,800 to over 2,200 within just one month. Officials attribute this rapid increase to targeted policy interventions and enhanced operational flexibility. Ambuj Gautam, general manager at GAIL Gas, highlighted the role of central government directives in scaling up supply efforts.
"There has been a concerted push from the Centre to expand PNG availability. Previously, installation work was restricted to nighttime hours, but we have now secured approvals for 24-hour operations. This change is expected to dramatically accelerate the pace of new connections," Gautam explained.
Government Directives and Infrastructure Expansion
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued clear instructions to city gas distribution (CGD) entities, urging them to bolster infrastructure and expedite the domestic PNG rollout. In a bid to alleviate pressure on LPG supplies, commercial establishments are being encouraged to switch to natural gas. Additionally, authorities have been directed to streamline statutory approvals and consider temporary waivers for costs related to road restoration and permission charges.
GAIL Gas has successfully obtained round-the-clock work permits from the Dehradun administration, enabling continuous operations. "With this new capability, we can now add up to 20 domestic connections daily. Commercial interest is also growing, with one mall already transitioning to piped gas, and we anticipate 15–20 more commercial units making the switch within the next month," Gautam added.
Project Scope and Economic Impact
The PNG project in Dehradun, initially introduced in 2020 and gaining momentum in 2022, is slated for completion by 2030. Despite nearly one lakh households applying for connections, only about 1,800 had been serviced until recently. The initiative aims to cover approximately three lakh households across Dehradun district, including areas in Rishikesh, Doiwala, and Chakrata.
Financially, the project has a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,500 crore, with over Rs 300 crore already invested. The transition to PNG is expected to reduce reliance on LPG, providing much-needed relief to businesses at risk of closure due to fuel shortages. Currently, the district maintains a stock of 33,040 domestic LPG cylinders and 1,405 commercial cylinders, underscoring the urgency of the PNG expansion.
This accelerated rollout represents a critical step toward ensuring energy security and supporting economic stability in the region, as authorities work to mitigate the ongoing LGP crisis through sustainable natural gas solutions.
