The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has approved guidelines to permit the injection of compressed biogas (CBG) into the natural gas pipeline system and city gas distribution networks. The move establishes a regulatory framework to integrate renewable gaseous fuels with conventional natural gas supplies and to broaden the market for low carbon alternatives. The policy is designed to provide clarity on technical and commercial arrangements and to enable producers to safely connect to the gas grid.

The guidelines set out requirements for gas quality, measuring and metering, interconnection arrangements and certification of injected volumes so that network integrity and consumer safety are maintained. They require coordination between pipeline operators, city gas distribution entities and biogas producers to ensure traceability and transparent accounting of volumes. The provisions also cover allocation of responsibilities for commissioning, routine monitoring and emergency response protocols.

The regulator envisages that the framework will encourage investment in biogas collection and upgrading infrastructure and will create new revenue streams for rural and municipal waste management projects. Injecting CBG into existing networks is expected to reduce reliance on imported fuels and to lower greenhouse gas emissions from transport and industrial applications as operators replace conventional sources with renewable gas. The guidelines are likely to support objectives for sustainable energy and circular economy initiatives.

Implementation will require pipeline operators and distribution companies to adopt the technical standards and to update operational procedures in consultation with the regulator. PNGRB will monitor compliance and may issue further guidance to address practical issues arising during rollout. Stakeholders will need to establish commercial arrangements for capacity booking and for allocation of blended gas, while regulators and agencies coordinate to facilitate timely implementation.