Bhubaneswar, April 2: In a major step to address cooking gas challenges, Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra has announced that piped natural gas (PNG) connections will be provided to households across major urban centres in Odisha.

The initiative aims to gradually replace LPG cylinders with PNG, which is reportedly around 13% cheaper and offers a more reliable and convenient supply. The move is expected to ease distribution issues while reducing dependence on cylinder-based cooking gas systems.

The minister said the Centre has directed expansion of PNG infrastructure in urban areas. Following discussions with oil marketing companies, authorities have been instructed to roll out PNG connections in major cities within the next three months.

Patra also clarified that households opting for PNG will no longer be eligible for LPG cylinders. To prevent misuse and black marketing, all LPG consumers will be required to complete e-KYC verification, while connections registered under deceased individuals will be cancelled.

The push for PNG comes amid concerns over LPG supply disruptions. Officials believe the transition will streamline distribution, lower costs for consumers, and curb irregularities in the existing system, with oil companies working on modalities for wider implementation.

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