Affordable PNG connections to replace costly LPG in Himachal
Relief is on its way for households in Himachal Pradesh struggling with the rising cost of cooking gas. Soon, residents in five districts will have access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), a more affordable and convenient alternative to LPG. The central government has approved this project, which will bring PNG connections to thousands of homes, marking a first for the state.
The rollout will eliminate the need for LPG cylinder refills, offering a hassle-free experience to consumers. Local administrations have already been instructed to collaborate with oil companies to identify and transfer land for setting up the pipeline infrastructure.
Save ₹200 to ₹300 Per Month on Cooking Gas
In today’s inflation-driven times, kitchen budgets are ballooning, with LPG prices contributing significantly to household expenses. PNG, however, is a budget-friendly option, offering savings of 20-25% compared to LPG. With one cubic meter of PNG costing around ₹50, compared to LPG’s ₹70 per kilogram, families can save ₹200-₹300 every month while consuming an equivalent amount of gas to an LPG cylinder.
Progress on Pipeline Installation
The pipeline installation in Una district is complete, and thousands of PNG connections have already been issued in the Himuda Colony. Similar work is in progress in Amb and will soon be functional.
Other areas slated to benefit include:
Shimla District: New Shimla, Sanjauli Himuda Colony, SJVNL Colony, Dattanagar, and Jhakri.
Solan District: Solan City, Government Colony, and Himuda Colony.
Sirmaur District: Himuda Colony in Nahan and Kala Amb Government Colony.
Hamirpur District: Deotsidh.
Bilaspur District: Raura Sector, AIIMS, and Shah Talai.
Why PNG is a Game-Changer
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is a clean-burning fuel primarily made of methane, distributed through underground pipelines directly to homes, businesses, and industries. It’s safer, cheaper, and more eco-friendly compared to LPG cylinders. This transition is expected to improve safety, reduce environmental impact, and make life easier for urban households.
Speaking about the development, officials of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, said, “The central government has approved the pipeline project for five districts in Himachal Pradesh, and we are working to implement it swiftly.”
This initiative is set to revolutionize cooking fuel accessibility in Himachal Pradesh, reducing costs for families and making kitchen management much simpler.
