By Dr Bhalchandra Shingan
Dehradun, 2 Apr: Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) are both widely used clean cooking fuels in India, yet they differ fundamentally in their mode of delivery and user experience. LPG is stored in cylinders and supplied through a distribution network that requires periodic booking, delivery, and handling. PNG, by contrast, is delivered directly to households through underground pipelines, ensuring a continuous and metered supply. This distinction—between a stored fuel and an on-demand utility is increasingly shaping the future of urban energy consumption in India.
Across urban India, a clear transition is underway. Wherever PNG becomes available, households are gradually moving away from LPG. The reasons are straightforward: PNG eliminates the inconvenience of cylinder booking, waiting time, and storage challenges. It offers uninterrupted supply and a pay-as-you-use system, making it both convenient and cost-effective. Safety considerations further reinforce this shift, as PNG, being lighter than air, disperses quickly in case of leakage, unlike LPG which can accumulate and pose risks in enclosed spaces.
This transition, however, must be viewed beyond convenience. In today’s global context marked by geopolitical tensions and conflicts that disrupt energy supply chains energy security has emerged as a strategic priority. India imports a significant share of its LPG requirements, making it vulnerable to global price volatility and supply uncertainties. The expansion of PNG through City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks offers a more stable and resilient alternative, contributing to reduced import dependence and strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.
In addition, the role of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) is becoming increasingly significant in India’s gas-based economy. Under the Government of India’s SATAT initiative, biogas derived from agricultural residue, cattle dung, and organic waste is upgraded into CBG, which can serve as a substitute for CNG and PNG. This not only promotes clean and renewable energy but also addresses pressing challenges such as waste management and stubble burning. As a domestically produced fuel, CBG further supports India’s goal of building a self-reliant and sustainable energy ecosystem.
At the same time, the success of this transition depends critically on timely implementation at the city level. Cities like Dehradun, where CGD infrastructure has already been laid and household connections have been provided, represent an important opportunity. Ensuring that natural gas supply begins promptly in such cities will help realise the intended benefits of convenience, safety, and efficiency, while also reinforcing public confidence in ongoing energy initiatives.
The shift from LPG to PNG is not merely a matter of consumer preference—it reflects a broader movement toward a cleaner, safer, and more resilient energy future. As India advances toward a gas-based economy, the focus must now move from infrastructure creation to effective and timely service delivery.
The pipelines are in place; ensuring the flow of gas is the next crucial step.
(Dr Bhalchandra Shingan, PhD (Chemical Engineering Specialisation in Gas Engineering, is Associate Professor, UPES, Dehradun.)
