(a) whether PNG cooking gas has not been brought under Essential Commodity Act due to which a large number of PNG cooking gas customers are deprived of it and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to bring PNG cooking gas under Essential Commodity Act to ensure that most of the customers can avail the benefit of PNG cooking gas?
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) & (b) Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is the authority to grant authorization to the entities for the development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) network in Geographical Areas (GAs) as per PNGRB Act, 2006 and the Regulations notified thereunder. PNGRB identifies the GAs for the development of CGD network depending on the natural gas pipeline connectivity/natural gas availability and techno-commercial feasibility. As on 1.07.2018, 44.43 lakh households have been provided Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in India. PNG cooking gas has not been notified under Essential Commodity Act