{"id":127858,"date":"2026-10-07T11:58:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T06:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=127858"},"modified":"2026-10-07T11:58:46","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T06:28:46","slug":"national-png-drive-3-0-expanding-piped-gas-for-a-cleaner-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/national-png-drive-3-0-expanding-piped-gas-for-a-cleaner-energy-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"National PNG Drive 3.0 &#8211; Expanding Piped Gas for a Cleaner Energy Transition"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>National PNG Drive 3.0 Latest News<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) launched National PNG Drive 3.0 on October 1, 2026, to accelerate the adoption of Domestic Piped Natural Gas (<\/span><b>D-PNG<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The six-month campaign, running till March 31, 2027, seeks to expand household access to PNG, activate dormant connections and improve utilisation of existing City Gas Distribution (<\/span><b>CGD<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its targets include <\/span><b>50 lakh<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> new D-PNG connections, conversion of 40 lakh unbilled connections into active users, and 50 lakh additional registrations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Why the Push for PNG?<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government views PNG as an important component of India&#8217;s transition towards <\/span><b>cleaner, reliable<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>affordable <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">energy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilitate a shift from <\/span><b>LPG <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to piped natural gas;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve utilisation of existing gas infrastructure;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce dependence on more carbon-intensive fuels;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support India&#8217;s broader energy-transition and Net-Zero objectives; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen the role of natural gas in India&#8217;s energy mix.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The push has gained significance amid disruptions in global energy supplies, including the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/west-asia-crisis-impact-on-indias-manufacturing-sector\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>West Asia crisis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which highlighted the importance of energy security and diversification.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Natural gas currently accounts for roughly<\/span><b> 6%<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of India&#8217;s primary energy mix, while the government has articulated a long-term objective of increasing its share to <\/span><b>15% by 2030<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>What is National PNG Drive 3.0?<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The initiative goes beyond merely creating new connections. Its <\/span><b>three <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">principal objectives are &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50 lakh new D-PNG connections by March 2027.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40 lakh existing but unbilled connections converted into active, billed consumers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50 lakh additional registrations for D-PNG.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As of June 30, 2026, India had around <\/span><b>1.74 crore<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> PNG consumers, of whom approximately 1.15 crore were billed consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This indicates a significant gap between network connectivity and actual utilisation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The drive therefore places emphasis on <\/span><b>semi-urban and rural areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where newly established networks have not yet translated into corresponding consumer adoption.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Building on PNG Drive 2.0<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PNG Drive 3.0 builds upon lessons from its predecessor. The PNG Drive 2.0 closure report highlighted the<\/span><b> problem of converting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> registered connections into <\/span><b>active users<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PNG Drive 2.0 recorded substantial progress in connections and registrations, witnessing significant increase in daily additions of domestic PNG and billed consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The new campaign seeks to deepen this momentum by focusing not only on network creation but also on consumer conversion and <\/span><b>utilisation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Infrastructure Potential<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India has already developed a substantial CGD infrastructure network. According to the government, around <\/span><b>6.88 lakh inch-km<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of pipeline has been laid, creating potential for approximately 1.3 crore additional connections.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, infrastructure alone does not guarantee adoption. The programme therefore stresses &#8211;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinated material planning among CGD entities, regulators and suppliers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Availability of gas meters, valves, GI pipes and MDPE pipes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expansion of pipelines into residential complexes and government colonies;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved consumer awareness; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reliable and affordable supply.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Key Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Uneven consumer awareness: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Awareness about PNG remains uneven across geographical areas. Consumers in mature CGD markets are generally more familiar with PNG than those in emerging markets.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Affordability and upfront costs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: High initial costs associated with obtaining connections can discourage households, particularly in emerging CGD areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Network and last-mile connectivity: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expanding pipelines into low-density rural and semi-urban areas can involve high capital costs and uncertain demand.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dormant connections: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A major challenge is converting registered but unbilled\/inactive connections into regular consumers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Business viability: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CGD companies need sufficient consumer density and sustained demand to recover infrastructure investments.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Policy Response and Way Forward<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government has introduced <\/span><b>incentives <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to encourage CGD entities to expand D-PNG adoption.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From September 1, 2026, eligible CGD entities can receive an <\/span><b>additional allocation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 200 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) of lower-priced APM (Administered Price Mechanism) gas for each incremental billed domestic-PNG connection beyond the prescribed threshold.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The measure is intended to improve the commercial <\/span><b>viability <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of new connections.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The strategy should <\/span><b>combine <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infrastructure expansion, consumer awareness, affordability measures, reliable supply and digital service delivery.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The recently launched <\/span><b>MyPNG Portal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can further support consumer-centric service delivery by providing a unified digital interface for PNG-related services.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National PNG Drive 3.0 represents a shift from merely expanding energy infrastructure to ensuring its effective utilisation and consumer adoption.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It links energy security, cleaner fuels, infrastructure development, regulatory governance and India&#8217;s <\/span><b>energy-transition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> goals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For India, expanding PNG can serve as a <\/span><b>transitional pathway<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> towards a lower-carbon energy system, provided that affordability, methane leakage, infrastructure costs and regional disparities are simultaneously addressed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><b>Source: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/business\/Economy\/what-are-the-objectives-of-the-national-png-drive-30-explained\/article71536448.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><b>TH<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) launched National PNG Drive 3.0 on October 1, 2026, to accelerate the adoption of Domestic Piped Natural Gas (D-PNG).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":127864,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[10715],"class_list":["post-127858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","tag-national-png-drive-3-0","no-featured-image-padding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127858"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127858\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":127875,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127858\/revisions\/127875"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/127864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}