gas pipeline network
India has made a major achievement in expanding the natural gas pipeline network. According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the total length of operational gas pipelines in the country has now crossed 25,000 kilometers. At present, 25,429 km long pipelines are operational, while the construction work of 10,459 km new pipelines is going on at a fast pace. This expansion is being considered an important step in taking India towards an integrated national gas grid.
Focus on clean fuel and energy security
The main objective of the expansion of the gas pipeline network is to strengthen the energy security of the country and promote the use of clean fuel in all sectors. Natural gas is considered cleaner than traditional fuels like coal and diesel. Its widespread use is expected to reduce pollution as well as accelerate industrial development.
One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff System
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has implemented One Nation, One Grid, One Tariff system to make transportation of gas easier and cheaper. Under this, transportation charges will be the same in about 90 percent of the gas pipeline network of the country. This will reduce the difference in gas prices in different states and industries and consumers will get direct benefits.
Gas to every house through Ujjwala scheme
The government’s priority is to ensure that clean cooking fuel reaches every family. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, about 10.35 crore families have been given LPG connections by December 1, 2025. To fully implement the scheme, the government has approved providing 25 lakh additional LPG connections in the financial year 2025-26. Making the application process easier, eligibility will now be decided through a single declaration.
Consumption increased due to LPG subsidy
To keep LPG affordable for the common people, a subsidy of Rs 300 per cylinder is being given to the eligible beneficiaries. Due to this, a continuous increase in LPG consumption is being seen. The government believes that this will help rural and poor families get rid of polluting fuels like wood and coal.
Other developments in the oil-gas sector
According to the ministry, good progress has also been made in areas like digital payments at petrol pumps, security checks, blending of ethanol in petrol and allocation of new oil and gas exploration blocks. With these steps, India’s energy sector is moving towards becoming more modern, secure and self-reliant.