Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant has announced a special drive to offer prompt Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to industries upon request. He instructed all government departments to arrange special camps for this purpose to address the reported shortage of LPG cylinders affecting industrial operations in the state. Minister Samant emphasized the importance of maintaining industrial production capacity during the current war situation in West Asia, highlighting natural gas as a cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly energy source for industries.
A dedicated campaign is set to kick off to streamline PNG connections for industries, focusing on organizing district-wise and industrial estate-wise special camps, simplifying application processes, conducting rapid technical inspections, and expediting pending applications. Minister Samant views this initiative as a significant move towards creating a business-friendly environment. The minister also stressed that domestic consumers are being prioritized for LPG cylinder supply, while commercial LPG cylinder distribution is managed in accordance with Central government guidelines.
Minister Samant warned of strict action against distributors involved in creating artificial shortages or engaging in black marketing, urging citizens to report such activities promptly by calling the toll-free number 112. Additionally, State Food and Civil Supply Minister Chhagan Bhujbal recently appealed to the Centre for technical assistance and financial support to accelerate the expansion of the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) network across Maharashtra. He emphasized the need to make PNG facilities mandatory in new housing projects and to launch campaigns for connections in older residential areas, underscoring the importance of expanding PNG use in various sectors for cost reduction and eco-friendly alternatives.
