Pune is experiencing significant delays in the provision of piped natural gas (PNG) connections for housing societies and commercial establishments, exacerbating the ongoing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) crisis. Restaurants and industries are increasingly turning to PNG as an alternative to LPG cylinders, leading to a surge in demand and strain on the existing infrastructure.
Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) has identified approximately 150 restaurants in Pune that are situated near existing pipelines, facilitating easier extension of PNG connections. The company is expediting new connections for eligible members of the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) and is assisting with necessary approvals and permits. However, despite these efforts, many establishments are facing considerable waiting periods, with some reports indicating year-long delays.
The LPG shortage has severely impacted operations across Pune’s food service industry. Several restaurants have been forced to shut down temporarily or operate with significantly reduced capacity. Popular eateries like Zillionth Bistro and Modern Cafe have had to close their shutters due to the unavailability of LPG cylinders. Restaurant owners are investing in electric induction units as a temporary measure, with some considering the current situation more critical than the COVID-19 lockdowns.
The demand for piped natural gas in Pune’s housing societies has reportedly tripled, with Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd. (MNGL) reporting an increase from 140-150 household connections to 400-500. This surge in demand is attributed to the ongoing LPG crisis, exacerbated by global conflicts. MNGL is actively expanding its gas network, which currently spans about 2,500 km in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, with plans for significant last-mile expansion in the coming months.
To encourage the adoption of PNG, MNGL has introduced special schemes, including a waiver on the first bill and zero application charges for societies applying before the end of April. The Union government has also issued directives to discontinue LPG cylinder supplies to households in areas where piped gas infrastructure is available, providing a 90-day window for consumers to switch to PNG.
Beyond restaurants and housing societies, over 40 restaurants and more than 20 industries have switched to PNG in recent weeks, with many more in the pipeline. Industrial clusters in Bhosari, Chakan, Talegaon, and Hinjewadi are seeing increased interest in PNG connections. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) is working with MNGL to expedite approval timelines for these industrial PNG connections.
While the supply of domestic LPG cylinders is stabilizing in some parts of the country, including Maharashtra, officials acknowledge that delays in distribution may continue for another two months as backlogs are cleared. Panic booking has also contributed to the current supply-demand imbalance. The government is prioritizing domestic LPG and PNG supplies for households and essential services while taking measures against hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
