Cabinet to promote use of PNG, targets to give 10 lakh connections in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday decided to promote the use of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a replacement for LPG cylinders across the State.

Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar, briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, said the government aimed at ensuring uninterrupted gas supply through PNG connections.

As part of the initiative, the government would encourage households currently using LPG cylinders in major cities such as Guntur, Nellore, Kakinada, and Visakhapatnam to shift to PNG. The Minister said that PNG offered a continuous supply and was more convenient, especially for apartments and industrial units. He added that users adopting PNG might also benefit from incentives provided by the Central government.

The Cabinet also directed that PNG facilities be introduced in major temples across the State. Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Manohar noted, had a comparative advantage over other States in implementing this system. However, he pointed out that an increase in GST from 5% to 25% discouraged potential users from opting for PNG.

“To boost adoption, the government plans to extend the Deepam subsidy scheme to the PNG subscribers,” he said. “Currently, beneficiaries receive a free LPG cylinder once every four months. Under the new proposal, financial assistance equivalent to this benefit will be shared every two months for the PNG users. Additionally, a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) amount of ₹2,400 — equivalent to the cost of three LPG cylinders — will be provided to those switching to piped gas,” the Minister said.

Mr. Manohar also announced that approvals for laying PNG pipelines would be granted in 24 hours, or processed automatically. “The government has set a target of providing 10 lakh new PNG connections, with plans to deliver one lakh connections in the next month,” he said.

Dismissing concerns raised on social media, Mr. Manohar clarified that there was no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in the State.

He said, approximately 2.7 lakh LPG cylinders were being supplied daily. He further added that induction stoves were being distributed to the Anganwadi centres with the support from the Centre, and the process was ongoing.

Describing it as a first-of-its-kind policy in the country, the Minister expressed confidence that the shift to PNG would enhance convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in gas usage across Andhra Pradesh.