PNGRB, MoEF&CC Push for Natural Gas Adoption with Industry-Friendly Measures

04 Dec 2024 CW Team

Natural gas, which can reduce emissions by up to 27% compared to petroleum products, not only offers environmental benefits but is also a more cost-effective and efficient alternative, making it an appealing choice for industries.

PNGRB is working to ease the transition to natural gas by relaxing inspection schedules, reducing compliance requirements, and lightening the regulatory burden on industries, as stated by A Ramana Kumar, Member, PNGRB. These changes aim to minimize disruptions and help businesses shift to cleaner fuels with fewer operational hurdles.

Additionally, PNGRB is collaborating with state governments to address VAT discrepancies on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which currently vary across states. For instance, Maharashtra and Goa have lowered VAT to 3%-4%, while Gujarat and Karnataka have capped it at 5%. This policy is already yielding cost benefits for end-users, and PNGRB is encouraging other states to adopt similar reductions.

Another key proposal is including natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, which would streamline tax procedures and reduce costs for industries. The government is also exploring financial incentives, such as subsidized loans for capital expenditure (CAPEX) related to clean fuel infrastructure, to make the transition more financially viable for industries.

These initiatives align with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 131 non-attainment cities across India. PNGRB and MoEF&CC are also working on plans to replace diesel buses with CNG alternatives in cities with established gas infrastructure.

These measures are designed to reduce urban air pollution while promoting the use of natural gas across various sectors.

In a move to make natural gas a central element in India’s clean energy transition, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and state governments, is planning a series of industry-friendly measures to boost natural gas adoption across industries and commercial sectors. Natural gas, which can reduce emissions by up to 27% compared to petroleum products, not only offers environmental benefits but is also a more cost-effective and efficient alternative, making it an appealing choice for industries. PNGRB is working to ease the transition to natural gas by relaxing inspection schedules, reducing compliance requirements, and lightening the regulatory burden on industries, as stated by A Ramana Kumar, Member, PNGRB. These changes aim to minimize disruptions and help businesses shift to cleaner fuels with fewer operational hurdles. Additionally, PNGRB is collaborating with state governments to address VAT discrepancies on Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which currently vary across states. For instance, Maharashtra and Goa have lowered VAT to 3%-4%, while Gujarat and Karnataka have capped it at 5%. This policy is already yielding cost benefits for end-users, and PNGRB is encouraging other states to adopt similar reductions. Another key proposal is including natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework, which would streamline tax procedures and reduce costs for industries. The government is also exploring financial incentives, such as subsidized loans for capital expenditure (CAPEX) related to clean fuel infrastructure, to make the transition more financially viable for industries. These initiatives align with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality in 131 non-attainment cities across India. PNGRB and MoEF&CC are also working on plans to replace diesel buses with CNG alternatives in cities with established gas infrastructure. These measures are designed to reduce urban air pollution while promoting the use of natural gas across various sectors.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..