When facing a LPG shortage due to war in the Middle East, the Assam government is considering expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) coverage. Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota convened a meeting with the management of Assam Gas Company Ltd., Purba Bharati Gas Pvt. Ltd., and North East Gas Distribution Company Ltd. to assess the current PNG coverage and explore its expansion to reach more domestic consumers within 90 days. Companies have been asked to submit their expansion plans, aimed at prioritizing access for residents. PNG is becoming a practical alternative to LPG cylinders as disruptions in supply chains continue, highlighted by a recent advisory from oil ministry official Sujata Sharma encouraging LPG consumers to switch to piped gas when feasible. In India, there are approximately 333 million LPG cylinder users, with over 150 million already receiving gas through pipelines, suggesting that around six million households could transition to PNG.
