Chandigarh Achieves Only 20% of PNG Target: Parliament Data
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
Chandigarh has achieved just 20% of its piped natural gas (PNG) connection target, as per data tabled in Parliament. This comes amid a central mandate requiring households to switch to PNG within three months of notice, failing which LPG refills may be discontinued.
Background
PNG was introduced in Chandigarh in 2016 by Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL). The push for PNG gained momentum due to concerns over energy supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict, as India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirements, with about 90% passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key facts
Chandigarh recorded 34,175 domestic PNG connections as of May 31, 2026, against a target of 1.75 lakh under the minimum work programme (MWP).
The MWP target was to be achieved within a 90-day period starting from the end of March 2026.
There are nearly 3.08 lakh LPG connections in Chandigarh, compared to the 34,175 PNG connections.
The data was shared in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on PNG infrastructure expansion.
The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, mandates households to switch to PNG within three months of receiving notice.
Failure to switch to PNG may result in discontinuation of LPG refill supplies.
IOAGPL has laid pipeline infrastructure in parts of Chandigarh, including Sectors 32-38, 40-51, Industrial Area, Phases 1 and 2, and Manimajra, covering roughly 30% of the city.
The UT administration has launched door-to-door awareness campaigns, registration camps in group housing societies, and coordination with resident welfare associations (RWAs).
Officials from the food and supplies department have been directed to hold two camps daily in housing societies for on-the-spot registration.
Prelims pointers
- Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026
- Essential Commodities Act
- Minimum Work Programme (MWP)
- Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL)
- Strait of Hormuz
- Lok Sabha unstarred question
- Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges in transitioning from LPG to PNG in urban areas, with reference to Chandigarh's low achievement.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of the Essential Commodities Act in regulating petroleum product distribution.
- Analyze the geopolitical implications of India's LPG import dependence and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.