PNG push: LPG supply in gasified housing societies likely to stop

Shahin Bepari Lambe

Panaji

The state government is moving towards making a shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) mandatory in housing societies where gas pipeline networks have already been laid, with LPG sup-ply likely to be stopped in such societies over the next three months.

Under recent Central government notifications, households in areas
where PNG pipeline networks are available will be required to switch to PNG connections. Consumers opting for PNG must either surrender their LPG connection within 30 days or choose a transfer voucher option, which allows LPG services to be restored later if they move to an area without PNG access.

The move has, however, raised concerns among residents in some housing societies where gas pipelines have already been installed but PNG supply has not
yet started.

“Pipelines put in place in our society nearly four years ago, but the connections are yet to begin. They required paperwork has been completed and meters have also been installed, but gas supply has still not started,” said a resident of one such society
in Taleigao.

An official from the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs said the transition is being taken up in phases in coordination with other departments.

“We are doing everything phase-wise and our target is to reach every society where this connection is possible,” the official said, adding that they are sending notices to societies where pipeline work has not yet started, as well as to societies where pipelines are already laid but gas supply has not commenced.

The official said the department is also carrying out door-to-door awareness drives in gasified societies and informing residents that the shift to PNG will be mandatory.

The official said some societies in Panaji continue to face delays despite pipeline work being completed, with road-cutting required in some areas where roads have recently been laid.

Authorities are also addressing similar issues in parts of Ponda. The official said the target is to complete connections in Panaji in the next three to four months and extend coverage across the state by March next year wherever technically feasible.

“As per the Central government directive, if PNG is available in a housing area and residents do not shift from LPG, LPG supply can be stopped after three months unless a PNG connection is technically not possible in that area,” the official said.