PNG push as LPG shortage worsens in Vizag
With LPG shortages continuing amid the ongoing war between Iran and America, the State government has decided to expand the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in parts of the city as an alternative cooking fuel.
Residents now wait over two weeks to receive LPG cylinders after booking. This delay has pushed authorities to speed up plans for pipeline-based gas supply.
Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), in partnership with the State government, launched the Kakinada–Srikakulam pipeline project via Visakhapatnam in 2014. The project has made only partial progress. Workers have laid the main pipeline up to Gajuwaka, but they have not completed the sub-lines needed to supply gas to households.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) earlier announced plans to provide PNG connections to 5,000 households in Gajuwaka. However, officials have not released clear data on the number of connections provided so far. District authorities also lack clarity. The State government has set a target to roll out 10 lakh PNG connections across major cities within a month.
Officials say PNG costs less and offers more convenience than LPG. A 14.2-kg LPG cylinder costs about ₹960, or roughly ₹67 per kg. PNG, in comparison, will cost about ₹45 per kg. It flows directly to homes through pipelines. Meters track usage, and consumers receive bills every two months. Officials add that PNG is safer because it disperses quickly in the air if a leak occurs.
District Joint Collector Vidhyadhari has asked IOC officials to identify suitable areas in and around Gajuwaka for PNG rollout. These areas include Sri Venkateswara Colony near Sheelanagar, BHPV Employees Colony, and Jaggayyapalem. Nearby localities such as Ganesh Nagar, Kanithi Road, Kashipalem, Old Vadlapudi, Sundarayya Colony, and Tirumala Nagar are also under consideration.
IOC officials say a PNG connection costs ₹6,500 per household, including pipeline installation and meter setup. In areas with existing pipelines, consumers pay a reduced fee of ₹618. However, officials have not clarified the pricing structure fully. Consumers will pay ₹45 per kg based on usage every two months. Meter rent may also apply.
Officials say consumers must surrender their LPG connections if they opt for PNG, as they cannot use both at the same time.
Concerns have emerged over unclear connection charges. Some agencies reportedly demand higher amounts. District authorities plan to issue a detailed notification on all charges and improve public awareness.
Officials also say gas company representatives, especially in marketing and sales, have not responded to public queries. Authorities are likely to issue directions to address this issue.