Parliament Question: Initiatives under petroleum and natural gas sector

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 4129 ANSWERED ON - 30/03/2026 INITIATIVES UNDER PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SECTOR 4129 SHRI NARAYANA KORAGAPPA: SHRI RYAGA KRISHNAIAH: Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has undertaken recent review of expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in the country in order to increasing access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation; (b) if so, the details thereof including number of Geographical Areas (GAs) currently covered under CGD network and progress made in expansion during the last three years; (c) whether Government has identified districts or regions where the CGD infrastructure is yet to be operationalized despite allocation under earlier bidding rounds; and (d) if so, the details thereof and steps taken to expedite rollout of distribution infrastructure? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI) (a) to (d) Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, establishment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and laying of pipeline infrastructure is part of the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network, which is carried out by the entities authorized by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) as per their Minimum Work Programme (MWP) and techno-commercial feasibility. After completion of 12/12A CGD bidding round, PNGRB has authorized entities for the development of CGD network in 307 Geographical Areas (Gas), covering the entire mainland area of the country. The details of PNG (domestic) connections and CNG stations across the country during the last 3 years is at Annexure. As on 31st December 2025, out of total 307 authorized GAs in the country, CNG stations have been established in 300 GAs, out of which 239 GAs have both PNG (D) connections & CNG stations infrastructure. PNGRB monitors the progress of CGD networks based on reports submitted by the entities. If there are any delays or shortfalls, the PNGRB advises the entity to take corrective action. This includes calling them for progress review meetings or statutory hearings under existing regulations to discuss challenges and the latest updates on their MWP targets in authorized GAs. In addition, Government conducts regular interactions and meetings with State Governments for the development of CGD network in respective States and address challenges in this regard.Recently, a comprehensive control order dated 24.03.2026 has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to facilitate time-bound expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the country, especially CGD. The Order provides a uniform framework for grant of right of way (RoW) and permissions by mandating strict timelines, enabling deemed approvals in case of delays, and prohibiting imposition of unauthorised charges by public authorities. It also addresses access issues in residential and private areas by ensuring non-discriminatory and time-bound permissions, thereby removing key bottlenecks in pipeline laying. *****Annexure ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) to (d) OF RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4129 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 REGARDING INITIATIVES UNDER PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SECTOR. Details of PNG (domestic) connections and CNG stations across the country during the last 3 years Period PNG (D) CNG stations (as on) March 1,29,22,516 6,861 2024 March 1,50,41,471 8,067 2025 January 1,62,60,754 8,616 2026 (Source: PNGRB) ****