Maharashtra Government Orders Fast-Track Expansion Of Piped Gas Network
A circular to this effect was issued by Ashok Atram, Joint Secretary in the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department: Reports
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has ordered a rapid expansion of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks across the state, following directions from the Centre amid global energy disruptions affecting LPG supplies. The move is aimed at increasing access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a reliable alternative fuel.
CGD companies have been asked to expedite pipeline laying and scale up domestic, commercial and industrial connections. District-level nodal officers will oversee implementation, with weekly progress reports mandated. Authorities have also been directed to streamline application processes, expand facilitation centres and ensure 24x7 helplines. The directive will remain in force until the situation stabilises, a senior official said.
A circular to this effect was issued by Ashok Atram, Joint Secretary in the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department.
According to the circular, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a communication dated March 16, informed the Maharashtra government that ongoing geopolitical developments have disrupted global energy supply chains, leading to constraints in LPG availability. To address the situation, the Centre called for immediate short-term measures, including the expansion of PNG connections.
In response, the state’s Urban Development Department issued guidelines on March 29, 2026, to accelerate the rollout of CGD networks across Maharashtra.
Officials said the state government is facilitating the expansion of PNG pipelines through CGD companies in line with the Centre’s directives. “With the accelerated expansion of the CGD network and PNG connections, CGD companies must appoint a district-level nodal officer in each district. The officer will submit weekly progress reports on PNG pipeline expansion in the prescribed ‘A to G’ format to the State-level Coordinator of the oil industry,” the circular stated.
The State-level Coordinator will compile district reports and submit a consolidated update to the state government every Monday by 1 pm, officials said.
The circular also outlines guidelines for CGD companies and consumers. Applications for PNG connections will be accepted from registered, unregistered and proposed housing societies. Residents of individual housing schemes may apply either collectively or individually.
CGD companies and their distributors have been directed to provide both online and offline application systems and ensure wide publicity of the initiative.
They have also been asked to operate 24-hour helplines and expand helpdesks and ward-level centres to handle the expected rise in applications. “Additionally, municipal corporations, district supply officers and CGD companies will set up information and facilitation centres, with regular district-level reviews to monitor progress. Strict compliance with these directions has been made mandatory,” the official added.
