Patna: Patna residents struggling with delayed LPG cylinder deliveries may find some relief in a new incentive announced by GAIL India, which is offering free piped natural gas (PNG) worth up to Rs 500 to consumers who apply for a new connection by the end of June.
The scheme comes at a time when many households in the city are facing difficulties due to persistent disruptions in domestic LPG supplies. In several areas, consumers reportedly have to wait between eight and 10 days after booking a cylinder, prompting many families to seek alternative arrangements for cooking fuel.
Under the offer, new PNG customers will receive gas worth Rs 500 free of charge during their initial usage period. GAIL officials said the initiative is aimed at encouraging households to switch to a cleaner, safer and uninterrupted fuel source.
Unlike LPG cylinders, PNG is supplied directly to homes through a pipeline network, eliminating the need for repeated bookings and concerns about running out of fuel. Consumers are billed according to actual monthly consumption, a feature that many users consider more convenient and economical.
The ongoing LPG supply constraints have already led to increased interest in PNG connections, particularly in apartment complexes and densely populated urban neighbourhoods. Industry observers say the demand for piped gas has risen steadily as consumers look for more reliable alternatives.
GAIL said it is continuing to expand its PNG network across the city, bringing additional localities under coverage. Company officials have urged eligible consumers to apply promptly in order to avail themselves of the benefits offered under the scheme.
With LPG distribution challenges showing little sign of easing, market analysts believe the shift towards PNG could accelerate further in the coming months, especially among urban households seeking a stable and hassle-free cooking fuel supply.
