The Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) has issued notices to around 6,400 housing societies in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad that have access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure but have not shifted from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The company warned that if residents in these gasified societies do not apply for PNG connections by September 30, the supply of LPG cylinders will be discontinued from October 1 under revised central government regulations promoting cleaner fuel. MNGL said the action is intended to accelerate adoption of piped gas and align supplies with new rules.

MNGL has developed a PNG distribution network spanning over 2,700 km, with infrastructure capable of serving nearly 0.85 million (mn) consumers. Despite the availability of the network, a sizeable number of households continue to rely on LPG cylinders rather than opting for piped connections. Officials described PNG as a safer, more convenient and more environmentally friendly alternative to LPG and said implementation of the rules will reduce duplication of supply and improve safety oversight.

The central government notification issued on March 24 permits discontinuation of LPG supply where PNG infrastructure is available and bars households from retaining both LPG and PNG connections at the same address. The rules require surrender of the LPG connection within 30 days of commissioning a PNG connection. Acting on directions from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), MNGL served notices between June 11 and June 18 and urged residents to apply for connections within the prescribed 90-day period to avoid disruption.

Some residents have expressed reservations about the transition, citing concerns about installation procedures, safety and costs, and requesting greater awareness and technical assistance from authorities. MNGL currently supplies Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for domestic and commercial consumers across Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and adjoining areas including Hinjawadi, Chakan and Talegaon. The company said it will continue to assist housing societies and residents to complete the transition before the deadline to ensure uninterrupted cooking fuel supply. Residents requested outreach programmes to address remaining doubts.