{"id":96126,"date":"2026-04-02T11:17:35","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T05:47:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=96126"},"modified":"2026-04-02T11:17:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T05:47:35","slug":"indias-push-for-piped-natural-gas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/indias-push-for-piped-natural-gas\/","title":{"rendered":"India\u2019s Push for Piped Natural Gas &#8211; Reducing LPG Dependence"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Piped Natural Gas Latest News<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India is accelerating the shift towards piped natural gas (PNG) to reduce LPG import dependence and improve energy security.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Types of Cooking and Transport Fuels<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India uses multiple forms of gaseous fuels for domestic and industrial purposes.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a mixture of propane and butane obtained during oil refining and natural gas processing.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is natural gas cooled to extremely low temperatures to convert it into liquid form for transport.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Piped Natural Gas (PNG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is natural gas supplied directly to households through pipelines.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is natural gas compressed for use as a vehicular fuel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of these fuels differs in storage, transport, and usage. LPG is cylinder-based, while PNG is pipeline-based, making it more continuous and convenient.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Transport and Distribution Mechanisms<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The logistics of fuel distribution differ significantly across fuel types.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LPG is transported in cylinders after being liquefied and pressurised, and delivered physically to households.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LNG is transported through specialised carriers at extremely low temperatures and later regasified.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PNG is delivered through underground pipelines directly to consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pipeline-based delivery reduces handling and storage risks while ensuring an uninterrupted supply.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Why LPG Became Dominant in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India adopted LPG as the primary cooking fuel due to logistical convenience.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cylinder-based delivery is easier to implement compared to building an extensive pipeline network.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This made LPG suitable for rapid expansion, especially under schemes like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/pradhan-mantri-ujjwala-yojana-pmuy\/\" target=\"_blank\"><b>PM Ujjwala Yojana<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, LPG supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions, especially due to import dependence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>News Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Union Govt is actively promoting piped natural gas as an alternative to LPG, driven by concerns over import dependence and global disruptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India currently has <\/span><b>around 33 crore LPG connections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Officials estimate that domestic natural gas production could potentially support up to 30 crore connections if households transition to PNG.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the key reasons behind this push is India\u2019s heavy reliance on LPG imports.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Nearly three-fifths of LPG demand is met through imports, with about 90% routed through the Strait of Hormuz<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which has been affected by geopolitical tensions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast<\/span><b>, LNG imports are more diversified globally<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making natural gas a more secure option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The government is also taking policy measures to accelerate PNG adoption. It is expected that around 15 lakh new PNG connections will be added in the near term.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A major policy shift includes discouraging dual connections. Households may be required to transition fully to PNG where available, leading to an increase in PNG adoption.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, PNG connections have crossed 1.5 crore and are expected to reach 2 crore soon. The government aims to expand this to 12 crore connections by 2034.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To support this expansion, India is rapidly developing pipeline infrastructure. The existing pipeline network spans about 25,000 km, with an additional 10,500 km under construction.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Advantages of PNG<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Energy Security<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Reduces dependence on LPG imports and vulnerable supply routes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Convenience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Provides an uninterrupted supply without cylinder replacement.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cost Efficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Lower logistics and handling costs in the long run.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Environmental Benefits<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Natural gas burns cleaner than LPG and reduces emissions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These advantages align with India\u2019s broader goals of energy transition and sustainability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Challenges in PNG Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High initial investment in pipeline infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulties in land acquisition and approvals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven geographical coverage.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited awareness and technical readiness among industrial users.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, India\u2019s LNG system operates on a \u201cjust-in-time\u201d model with limited storage, making it vulnerable to supply disruptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">India must adopt a balanced approach for gas-based energy transition.<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expand pipeline infrastructure to underserved regions.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase domestic natural gas production.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strengthen LNG import and storage capacity.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve regulatory coordination for faster approvals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Promote awareness and technical support for industries.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Source:<\/b> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/why-is-india-pushing-piped-gas-now-explained\/article70811225.ece#:~:text=Why%20the%20push%20for%20piped,same%2C%20according%20to%20government%20data.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">TH<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India Piped Natural Gas Expansion aims to reduce LPG imports, improve energy security, and expand clean fuel access across households.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":96167,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[60,6536,22,59],"class_list":{"0":"post-96126","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-upsc-mains-current-affairs","8":"tag-mains-articles","9":"tag-piped-natural-gas","10":"tag-upsc-current-affairs","11":"tag-upsc-mains-current-affairs","12":"no-featured-image-padding"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96126","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\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=96126"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96126\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":96159,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96126\/revisions\/96159"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/96167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=96126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=96126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=96126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}