Bihar Achieves Only 30% of PNG Target Amid Center's Push for LPG-Free Zones

India's central government is pushing to establish liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-free zones in areas where piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure is fully operational. This initiative aims to reduce the nation's dependence on imported LPG, a move prompted by concerns over supply disruptions and rising international prices due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Under the proposed policy, residents in designated zones will be required to switch from LPG cylinders to PNG within three months of the infrastructure becoming active. Failure to comply could result in the suspension of LPG connections. A recent review meeting involving oil marketing companies (OMCs) and state officials assessed the progress of PNG rollout across the country.

However, the state of Bihar is lagging significantly behind its targets. As of May 21, Bihar had achieved only 30.88% of its goal for household PNG connections, with 31,875 applications pending. Notably, 10 districts, Buxar, Nawada, Madhubani, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, and Siwan, have reported zero achievement against targets set in 2019 for completion by March 2026.

Officials cited several operational challenges contributing to the slow pace, including consumer hesitancy to switch from familiar LPG to PNG, a shortage of skilled manpower, and insufficient availability of essential components like meters, regulators, and valves. Damage to underground pipelines has also hampered progress. While some districts like Jamui and Aurangabad show higher percentage achievements, their overall targets were smaller compared to others.