Question : Benefits of CNG

(a) the State-wise details of the areas covered under CNG network at present and whether the Government has planned to improve the CNG infrastructure across the country; (b) whether the Government has ascertained the benefits of installing CNG pumps to reduce global warming and carbon emissions and if so, the number of CNG pumps to be installed and the time by which the entire country is expected to be connected to CNG services;
(c) whether the CNG facilities are available only in a few metro cities, if so, the total number of existing CNG stations in these metro cities and whether the Government has selected the other metros and cities where CNG infrastructure would be provided, if so, the names of those metros/cities where CNG facility would be available in near future; and
(d) whether the Government has any plan to install CNG pumps in rural areas as well and if so, the time by which these pumps are likely to be installed?

MINISTER OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
(SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (d) Petroleum & 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. PNGRB identifies GAs for authorizing the development of CGD network in synchronization with the development of natural gas pipeline connectivity and natural gas availability. Providing PNG (domestic) connections and establishment of CNG Stations is a part of development of City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network by an authorized entity. So far PNGRB has authorized 230 GAs for development of
CGD network across country up to 10th CGD Bidding Round covering more than 400 districts in the country in 27 States/UTs which covers around 71% of India’s population and 53 % of its area (including urban and rural areas).
Natural Gas is a cleaner and alternate environment friendly fuel. There are 1,989 operational CNG Stations in the country as on 01.02.2020, the details are at Annexure and the authorized entities are committed to set up CNG pumps as per Minimum Work Program in authorized GAs.
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