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The discussion regarding domestic gas system in the country has once again intensified. After the pace of the government scheme to promote Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has slowed down, questions are now being raised whether it will affect the millions of customers using LPG cylinders. The government has long promoted PNG as a safe, convenient and environmentally sound alternative, but its reach has not grown as expected.

Both PNG and LPG are used for cooking in homes. While LPG cylinders are easily available in most parts of the country, PNG facilities are available only in areas where pipeline networks have been developed. This is the reason why PNG has still not fully reached the common people, except in some areas of big cities.

Why did the plan to promote PNG slow down?

The government had planned to expand the PNG network to boost the natural gas-based economy. Its objective was to supply gas to as many houses as possible through pipelines, so that the dependence on cylinders could be reduced.

But many challenges emerged in laying the PNG network. Its expansion remained relatively slow due to constraints such as large investment for laying pipelines, road digging, local permissions and space constraints in urban areas. PNG still remains difficult to reach in many small towns and rural areas. This is the reason why LPG cylinder still remains the main cooking gas for crores of families in the country.

What could be the impact on LPG customers?

The slow pace of the PNG campaign does not directly mean that there will be no huge burden on LPG cylinder customers immediately. But in the long run it may have an impact on energy policy and gas prices. If PNG expansion remains limited then demand for LPG will remain. Higher demand and changes in gas prices in the international market may impact domestic gas prices.

However, LPG prices also depend on many other factors, including international prices of crude oil and gas, government subsidy policy and market conditions.

Government's focus on natural gas

The Indian government is emphasizing on promoting natural gas in the energy sector. Its objective is to increase the share of natural gas in the energy mix and reduce pollution. PNG and CNG are part of this policy. The use of CNG is increasing in vehicles, while PNG is being promoted for domestic and industrial use.

LPG still the biggest option

LPG connections were provided to crores of poor families in the country through Ujjwala scheme. This reduced dependence on wood and traditional fuels in rural areas.

Even today, LPG cylinder is the most practical option in villages and small towns, as it can be easily transported. Whereas PNG requires a permanent pipeline network.

What should customers keep in mind

LPG customers should keep an eye on changes in gas prices, subsidy rules and government schemes. Besides, it is also important to save gas, because expenses can be reduced by this. Measures like proper use of gas in the kitchen, periodic checking of the stove and prevention of leakage are also important from safety point of view.

what will happen in future

Experts believe that both LPG and PNG will continue to play their role in the coming years. The use of PNG may increase in cities where the pipeline network is strong. Whereas in rural and remote areas, LPG will remain the main fuel for a long time.

The biggest challenge for the government is to provide affordable, safe and reliable energy to the people. Along with increasing the expansion of PNG, it will be necessary to keep the LPG system strong. At present, despite the slow pace of the PNG campaign, there is no possibility of any immediate major change for LPG cylinder customers. But the changes taking place in the energy sector may definitely have an impact on the gas market and consumers' pockets in the future.