Executive Summary:
This document addresses Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3059 regarding delays in Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in Bihar, particularly in Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, and Saran districts. It outlines the progress of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network development by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in their respective Geographical Areas (GAs). The document specifies PNG connection targets and completion dates mandated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). The government and PNGRB actively monitor the progress of these networks and advise corrective actions for delays.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **CGD Network Development:** PNG connections are part of the development of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, carried out by entities authorized by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
* **Gopalganj Region:**
* Gopalganj district is part of a GA that includes Gopalganj, Siwan, West Champaran, East Champaran districts of Bihar and Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.
* Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) was authorized in May 2022 to develop the CGD network in this GA.
* BPCL's Minimum Work Programme (MWP) target is 10,10,999 PNG connections by 2030.
* As of May 31, 2025, BPCL has provided 22,800 PNG connections in the GA.
* **Muzaffarpur and Saran Region:**
* Muzaffarpur and Saran districts are part of a GA that includes Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran, and Samastipur districts.
* Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) was authorized in March 2019 to develop the CGD network in this GA.
* IOCL's Minimum Work Programme (MWP) target is 10,06,975 PNG connections by 2029.
* As of May 31, 2025, IOCL has provided 52,775 PNG connections in the GA.
* **Government and PNGRB Oversight:**
* The Government and the PNGRB monitor the progress of CGD networks through progress review meetings, field visits, discussions with entities, and statutory hearings.
* Entities are advised to take corrective actions if there are delays or shortfalls in meeting MWP targets.
Impact Analysis:
* **BPCL and IOCL:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for meeting PNG connection targets within specified timelines in their authorized GAs. Subject to monitoring by the government and PNGRB.
* *Action Required:* Achieve MWP targets, participate in progress review meetings, address any challenges, and implement corrective actions for delays.
* **Consumers in Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Saran, and surrounding districts:**
* *Impact:* Timely access to PNG connections as per the outlined targets and timelines. Potential impact from delays in PNG connection provisions.
* *Action Required:* No direct action specified, but may need to communicate concerns to relevant authorities regarding delays.
* **PNGRB:**
* *Impact:* Responsible for monitoring the progress of CGD networks and ensuring that authorized entities meet their targets.
* *Action Required:* Continue monitoring progress, conducting reviews, and advising corrective actions as needed.
Key Entities Referenced
Piped Natural Gas: A system for delivering natural gas to homes and businesses through underground pipes.
Bihar: A state in eastern India where the Piped Natural Gas connections are being discussed.
Gopalganj district: A district in Bihar, specifically mentioned as facing delays in Piped Natural Gas connections.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB): The regulatory body responsible for authorizing entities for City Gas Distribution network development and monitoring their progress.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL): The entity authorized by PNGRB for development of CGD network in Gopalganj and surrounding districts.
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): The entity authorized by PNGRB for development of CGD network in Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran and Samastipur districts.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in northern India, where Deoria district is part of the Geographical Area (GA) for Piped Natural Gas distribution.
City Gas Distribution (CGD): The network for distributing piped natural gas to various consumers in a city or geographical area.
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3059
TO BE ANSWERED ON 7th August, 2025
PIPED NATURAL GAS CONNECTIONS IN BIHAR
3059. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN:
पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ी
Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the connections of Piped Natural Gas in Bihar particularly in District
Gopalganj, Muzzafarpur and Saran are delayed by the concerned agencies in the areas and
the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(b) the details of the total connections provided in the District Gopalganj and other surrounding
areas in Bihar as on date;
(c) whether it is a fact that the issue of not providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection in
Bihar particularly in District Gopalganj and other districts is causing numerous pressure on
consumers and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has directed the concerned agency to complete the work at the
earliest and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) whether the concerned agencies are deliberately delaying connections of Piped Natural Gas
in Bihar particularly in District Gopalganj and other surrounding districts despite
commercial feasibility and if so, the details thereof along with the action to be taken in this
regard?
ANSWER
पेट(cid:332)ोिलयम और (cid:366)ाकृ ितक गैस मं(cid:361)ालय म(cid:336) रा(cid:475)मं(cid:361)ी
((cid:373)ी सुरेश गोपी)
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
(SHRI SURESH GOPI)
(a) to (e) Providing Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections is a part of development of City Gas
Distribution (CGD) network and the same is carried out by the entities authorized by the
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
Gopalganjdistrict is covered under Geographical Area (GA) comprising Gopalganj, Siwan, West
Champaran, East Champaran districts of Bihar &Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.PNGRB has
authorized Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in May, 2022 for development of
CGD network in the GA. As per Minimum Work Programme (MWP) target mandated by
PNGRB, BPCL has to provide10,10,999 PNG connections in the Geographical Area (GA) by
2030,out of which, as on 31.05.2025, BPCL has provided 22,800 PNG connections in
Gopalganj, Siwan, West Champaran, East Champaran and Deoria districts GA.
Muzzafarpur and Sarandistricts are covered under GA comprising Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran
and Samastipur districts. PNGRB has authorized Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in
March, 2019 for development of CGD network in the GA. As per Minimum Work Programme
(MWP) target mandated by PNGRB, IOCL has to provide 10,06,975 PNG connections in the
GA by 2029,out of which, as on 31.05.2025, IOCL has provided 52,775 PNG connections in
Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Saran and Samastipur districts GA.The Governmentas well as the PNGRB monitors the progress of CGD networks. This includes
calling them for progress review meetings based on reports submitted by the entities to PNGRB,
field visits by officers, discussion with entities regarding challenges faced in meeting theirMWP
targets in their authorised GAs, statutory hearings by PNGRB under existing regulations, etc. If
there are any delays or shortfalls, the entities are advised to take corrective actions.
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