Question : CNG PNG NETWORK

(a) the details of existing network of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Piped Natural Gas (PNG) across the country including the number of households/industrial units covered in the each of the cities under this network along with rates on which PNG/CNG supplied to consumers across the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) the details of waiting list of PNG consumers in the States particularly in Mumbai and the steps taken to clear the backlog amicably;

(c) whether the Government has received proposals/demands from various States particularly rural/tribal for CNG/PNG coverage in their States;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the investment made by the Government thereon including any time bound scheme/target fixed for providing PNG to households, State-wise including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and southern States; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for development of City Gas Distribution network particularly in small towns/less populated villages along with name of the companies which are involved in CNG/PNG network across the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI DHARMENDRA PRADHAN)

(a) : The details of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) domestic connections and Industrial connections is annexed. The price of CNG/PNG are not fixed by the Government. The price of CNG/PNG in any Geographical Area (GA) is

(b) : As on 28.02.2015 Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) has 15,717 customers on the waiting list. For expeditious connections, MGL is taking the following steps:

i. Regular follow up with statutory authorities like (MCGM, TMC, CIDCO, NMMC) for obtaining requisite permissions for laying of new infrastructure to cater more domestic connection;

ii. Appointment of additional site engineers and contractors;

iii. Enhancement of MGL’s internal resources;

iv. Focus on developing new plumbers through CSR initiatives.

v) Focus on enhanced coordination between plumbers and sales representatives to register and connect customers expeditiously.

(c) to (e): Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has envisaged a phased roll out plan for development of City Gas Distribution networks (CGD) in several Geographical Areas (GAs) in various States, depending on the natural gas pipeline connectivity/natural gas availability. The GAs are included in bidding rounds in a phased manner taking into account the natural gas pipeline connectivity/natural gas availability and feasibility for grant of authorization to develop CGD networks. Based on the requests made by various State Governments, PNGRB has been considering entire districts, which include small towns/less populated villages, as GAs for development of CGD networks.