The Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution Policy 2026 to expand access to cleaner fuel, modernise energy infrastructure and support industrial growth across the union territory. The policy is intended to accelerate the development of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) networks for households, commercial establishments, industries and the transport sector.

Approved by the Council of Ministers, the policy provides an investor-friendly and time-bound framework for city gas distribution projects. It covers all 20 districts and includes single-window clearances, streamlined procedures for establishing CNG stations and standardised Right of Way norms to support infrastructure development.

The government has identified major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama, for priority gas connectivity. Officials said the policy would improve access to safer and more affordable energy, reduce fuel costs, strengthen industrial competitiveness and support green investment. It is also expected to generate opportunities in employment, apprenticeships and skill development.

The policy establishes guidelines for CNG station infrastructure and sets out uniform requirements for the use of public and private corridors. It is supported by a Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board initiative to develop a 325 km natural gas pipeline linking the region with GAIL’s Gurdaspur-Jammu network. The proposed connection is intended to strengthen supply reliability and provide a base for wider PNG and CNG adoption.

The initiative complements national programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and enforcement measures led by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. These programmes focus on improving household fuel affordability, preventing diversion and expanding access to LPG and PNG. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the notification and described it as an important step towards cleaner growth and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.