In a monumental stride toward realizing Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Natural Gas-based economy, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep S Puri, today marked a pivotal moment by dedicating 201 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations and India’s first small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) unit at Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, to the nation. This historic event, held via video conferencing, signifies India’s commitment to enhancing its clean energy infrastructure across 17 states, thus promoting environmental sustainability and energy security.

The launch of the CNG stations and the SSLNG unit was witnessed by notable dignitaries, including Union Minister of State, Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment Shri Rameshwar Teli, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) Shri Pankaj Jain, and senior officials from GAIL (India) Limited and other significant stakeholders in the oil and gas sector. These developments underscore the collaborative efforts within the industry to extend the reach of cleaner fuel alternatives across the nation.

The 201 CNG stations, established by 15 City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities under the GAIL group, span 52 Geographical Areas (GAs) in 17 states. Notably, these stations will greatly facilitate the adoption of CNG, a greener alternative to conventional fuels, extending its availability to previously underserved areas. The establishment of India’s first small-scale LNG unit by GAIL at its Vijaipur LPG plant is a testament to the company’s ongoing innovation within the natural gas value chain, aiming to bridge the gap between isolated sources and consumers not yet connected to the Natural Gas Pipeline Network.

With the continued expansion of the CGD network, following the 12th CGD bidding round by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, India is on the cusp of offering natural gas accessibility to nearly its entire population and geographical expanse. The country now boasts over 6,200 CNG stations and approximately 1.21 crore domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, with GAIL group companies contributing significantly to these numbers.

This initiative is not only a step forward in making natural gas a more accessible and eco-friendly fuel option for the transport sector and households but also positions natural gas as a safer and more economical alternative to conventional fuels. The dedication of these facilities highlights India’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable energy utilization.

  city gas distribution, Clean Energy, CNG Stations, environmental sustainability, GAIL, Hardeep S Puri, India’s gas economy, Narendra Modi, natural gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas, SSLNG unit