LPG shortage 'spurs' increase in demand for piped gas in Ranchi
Ranchi: Concerns over LPG supply and growing interest in uninterrupted cooking fuel has led many residents to opt for piped natural gas (PNG) under the city gas distribution project operated by GAIL (India) Limited, officials said.
Nearly 550 km of MDPE (medium density polyethylene) pipeline and around 70 km of steel pipes have been set up for PNG supply, creating infrastructure for about 78,000 households. Of these, more than 24,000 homes have PNG connections, while nearly 18,000 consumers use piped gas regularly.
The network was activated in several localities, including Bariatu, Harmu, Ashok Nagar, MECON Colony, Argora, Pundag, Hatia, Dhurwa, Tupudana, Namkum and Kanke, along with parts of Lalpur. Officials said expansion work is continuing in remaining pockets so that more neighbourhoods can be brought under the PNG network.
GAIL officials reported a visible rise in new applications in recent days. On average, 60-75 new domestic PNG connections are provided every day, while nearly 900 connections were issued in the past 15 days. In addition, about 100 consumers register daily and deposit security fees, indicating a steady rise in demand.
Rohita Kumari, a resident of Dhurwa, said she recently enquired about piped gas. “If piped gas facility is available, I am seriously considering switching to it for regular cooking,” she said.
The PNG network spans nearly 650 km across Ranchi and nearby areas. Gas is routed through the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline at high pressure and enters Ranchi via a city gate station (CGS) at Sarwal, from where it is distributed through pipelines. Regulators ensure that gas reaches households at about 20 millibar.
During the last two weeks, 6 commercial PNG connections were provided to establishments such as hotels and restaurants, while 12 more businesses applied for connections. Security deposit for domestic PNG connections ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 4,500, depending on the plan selected by consumers.
Prashant Singh, deputy general manager of GAIL (India) Ltd, said PNG is gaining popularity because of its convenience and reliability.
Singh added that the company plans to lay about 150 km of additional pipeline during 2026-27 and connect around 20,000 more households by the end of this year. Ranchi has 27 CNG stations, and another 10 stations are planned as part of the expansion.
Consumers can apply for new PNG connections or register complaints through a toll-free helpline: 1800123121111.
Officials said residents of apartment complexes where pipelines are already installed can obtain new connections by completing the registration and deposit process.
Nearly 550 km of MDPE (medium density polyethylene) pipeline and around 70 km of steel pipes have been set up for PNG supply, creating infrastructure for about 78,000 households. Of these, more than 24,000 homes have PNG connections, while nearly 18,000 consumers use piped gas regularly.
The network was activated in several localities, including Bariatu, Harmu, Ashok Nagar, MECON Colony, Argora, Pundag, Hatia, Dhurwa, Tupudana, Namkum and Kanke, along with parts of Lalpur. Officials said expansion work is continuing in remaining pockets so that more neighbourhoods can be brought under the PNG network.
GAIL officials reported a visible rise in new applications in recent days. On average, 60-75 new domestic PNG connections are provided every day, while nearly 900 connections were issued in the past 15 days. In addition, about 100 consumers register daily and deposit security fees, indicating a steady rise in demand.
Rohita Kumari, a resident of Dhurwa, said she recently enquired about piped gas. “If piped gas facility is available, I am seriously considering switching to it for regular cooking,” she said.
The PNG network spans nearly 650 km across Ranchi and nearby areas. Gas is routed through the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline at high pressure and enters Ranchi via a city gate station (CGS) at Sarwal, from where it is distributed through pipelines. Regulators ensure that gas reaches households at about 20 millibar.
During the last two weeks, 6 commercial PNG connections were provided to establishments such as hotels and restaurants, while 12 more businesses applied for connections. Security deposit for domestic PNG connections ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 4,500, depending on the plan selected by consumers.
Prashant Singh, deputy general manager of GAIL (India) Ltd, said PNG is gaining popularity because of its convenience and reliability.
Singh added that the company plans to lay about 150 km of additional pipeline during 2026-27 and connect around 20,000 more households by the end of this year. Ranchi has 27 CNG stations, and another 10 stations are planned as part of the expansion.
Consumers can apply for new PNG connections or register complaints through a toll-free helpline: 1800123121111.
Officials said residents of apartment complexes where pipelines are already installed can obtain new connections by completing the registration and deposit process.
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