Hyderabad's Slow Shift to Piped Natural Gas Despite Extensive Infrastructure
In Hyderabad, the transition from traditional LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) is progressing at a sluggish pace, with most households continuing to rely on cylinders even when pipeline access is available at their doorstep. This trend persists despite the Central government's push for cleaner fuel alternatives and eventual plans to phase out LPG supply in areas with PNG infrastructure.
Widespread Network but Low Utilization
Data from Bhagyanagar Gas Limited (BGL), a joint venture between Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), reveals a significant gap between infrastructure deployment and actual usage. Over 2.1 lakh PNG connections have been established across apartments and gated communities throughout the city. However, only approximately 80,000 households are actively utilizing the service, leaving more than 60% of the network underutilized.
The connections are primarily concentrated in areas such as Kompally, Shameerpet, Bachupally, Chandanagar, BHEL, Miyapur, and Kothaguda. In stark contrast, LPG maintains its dominance with over 14 lakh connections across Greater Hyderabad, limiting PNG's market share to just about 5%.
Infrastructure Bottlenecks Hamper Progress
Officials attribute the slow adoption to persistent infrastructure challenges. Expanding the PNG network requires extensive groundwork, including road cutting, pipeline laying, and internal building connections. Delays in obtaining permissions and coordinating with civic bodies like the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have significantly slowed progress. Clearances for excavation and pipeline laying often take months to secure, according to a senior BGL official.
Despite these hurdles, adoption is gradually improving, with around 2,000 new consumers being added every month. Commercial uptake, however, remains limited, with only about 200 establishments currently connected to the PNG network.
Consumer Perspectives and Operational Details
Consumers who have made the switch highlight convenience and reliability as key benefits. Rajeev Amaram, a resident of Kompally, shared his experience: "I've been using PNG for five years and never faced supply issues, even during LPG shortages. It's also more cost-effective compared to cylinders."
How PNG Reaches Your Kitchen
- Natural gas travels via trunk pipelines to city gate stations.
- It is distributed across the city through underground Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) pipes.
- Pressure is regulated at the building level to ensure safe delivery.
- A riser line carries the gas to individual floors within multi-story buildings.
- A meter records usage for accurate billing purposes.
- Final supply reaches the stove through a pipe and flexible tube connection.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PNG
Pros:
- 24/7 continuous supply, eliminating the need for cylinder booking or storage.
- Enhanced safety as gas disperses quickly in case of leaks.
- Pay-as-you-use billing model and cleaner combustion compared to LPG.
Cons:
- High upfront installation costs for connection and internal piping.
- Limited to areas with existing pipeline infrastructure.
- Fixed connection with low portability, unlike movable cylinders.
The Centre's vision of positioning piped gas as a reliable alternative during supply disruptions faces practical challenges in Hyderabad. While the infrastructure expansion continues, overcoming bureaucratic delays and consumer inertia remains crucial for achieving wider adoption of this cleaner fuel option.
