Bhubaneswar, 02 April (H.S.): In response to global geopolitical tensions affecting fuel supply chains, the Odisha government has decided to fast-track the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure across urban areas as an alternative to LPG.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Thursday said that PNG connectivity is expected to be extended to urban regions of the state within a month. The announcement came after a high-level review meeting with oil marketing companies.

The move aligns with directives from the central government to enhance the availability of natural gas for domestic cooking, particularly in light of disruptions in LPG imports linked to ongoing geopolitical developments.

Meanwhile, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra is also reviewing the state’s LPG and fuel supply situation in a separate meeting with oil companies at Lok Seva Bhawan.

At the national level, the government is working towards providing around 50 lakh new PNG connections across urban India, aiming to reduce dependence on LPG and strengthen access to cleaner energy sources.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda