Patna: Demand for piped natural gas has risen sharply in Patna as households seek alternatives amid a shortage of LPG cylinders in the city.
Officials from GAIL (India) Limited said applications for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections had increased significantly in recent days. Since March 8, more than 1,000 applications have been submitted, with about 100 to 150 new requests being received each day.
The surge in demand follows long queues at gas agencies and uncertainty over cylinder supplies, prompting many residents to shift to piped gas connections for cooking.
According to the company, around 30,000 domestic consumers in Patna are currently connected to the PNG network, along with about 90 commercial establishments that receive gas through pipelines.
Residents living in areas where the pipeline network is available can apply for a connection at the company’s office located at Indira Bhawan near Hartali Mor, officials said.
The PNG network has already been extended to several neighbourhoods and residential colonies across the city. These include areas such as Mahuabagh, Siddheshwar Nagar, Rupaspur Nalapar, Trishul Vihar Colony, Lohia Path, Ram Nagari, Magistrate Colony, AG Colony, Jagdev Path and the area around Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences.
Other localities with pipeline access include Samanpura, Indrapuri, Rajabazar, Ruknpura, Patel Nagar, Khajpura, Vijay Nagar, Saguna Mor, Khagaul, Gola Road, Bailey Road, Shastri Nagar, Patliputra and Kidwaipuri, among others.
Residents in these areas can receive cooking gas directly through pipelines at home, reducing their dependence on LPG cylinders.
Officials said the growing demand reflected both the convenience of piped gas and concerns among consumers about regular cylinder availability in the city.
