Maharashtra Government Launches 24/7 Helplines to Expedite PNG Coverage Amid West Asia Crisis

Maharashtra Government Directs City Gas Distribution Companies to Enhance PNG Coverage

The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) to city gas distribution companies, directing them to operationalise 24x7 helplines and increase the number of centres to accept applications for piped natural gas (PNG) connections. This move comes in response to the West Asia conflict and its impact on global energy supply chains.

The GR, issued by the food and civil supplies department, highlights the need to accelerate PNG connections as a short-term mitigation measure due to disruptions in global energy supply, which have affected petroleum product availability and led to constraints in LPG supply. In an effort to ensure wider PNG coverage across the state, the GR asks companies to expand outreach and infrastructure.

City Gas Distribution Companies Ordered to Enhance Infrastructure

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To cater to the rising demand and ensure citizens do not face inconvenience while applying for connections, the GR directs city gas distribution (CGD) companies to keep 24-hour helplines functional. The companies have also been asked to increase the number of helplines and helpdesks based on city population.

In addition, the GR instructs companies to expand ward-level centres to accept new PNG connection applications and to make both online and offline application systems widely available with adequate publicity. The government has also called for the setting up of information and assistance centres by municipal corporations, district supply officers, and CGD firms, and mandated regular district-level reviews of progress.

Monitoring Progress and Implementation

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To monitor implementation, CGD companies must appoint district-level nodal officers and submit weekly progress reports on PNG pipeline expansion and connections, which will be consolidated and reviewed at the state level every Monday. The directions will remain in force until the prevailing global geopolitical situation stabilises.