National PNG Drive 3.0
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) launched National PNG Drive 3.0 on its 20th Foundation Day on 1 October 2026. The National PNG Drive 2026 initiative seeks to accelerate the shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and strengthen India’s energy security. It is an important Natural Gas Policy India initiative supporting Piped Natural Gas in India.
Key Targets of National PNG Drive 3.0
For FY 2027, the drive aims to:
- Add 50 lakh new domestic PNG (D-PNG) connections, supporting PNG Expansion in India.
- Convert 40 lakh unbilled connections into active users.
- Register another 50 lakh PNG users, expanding Piped Natural Gas Connection India coverage.
The earlier PNG Drive 2.0, conducted from January to June 2026, resulted in 12.10 lakh new connections, 13.37 lakh billed connections and 15.31 lakh registrations.
Energy Security and Sustainability
PNG is considered a cleaner-burning fuel and supports India’s objective of increasing the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix, currently around 6%. Greater use of PNG can diversify household energy sources and contribute to India’s sustainability and climate objectives. This makes Natural Gas Adoption in India important for Energy Security in India and the broader Energy Sector UPSC perspective.
Reducing LPG Supply Vulnerability
The initiative has gained importance amid geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions around critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which can affect LPG supplies. Expanding PNG access can therefore strengthen domestic energy resilience and support LPG to PNG Conversion.
Government Support and Infrastructure
The Petroleum Ministry is incentivising City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies by providing an additional 200 SCM of lower-priced APM natural gas for every incremental billed D-PNG connection. This supports the expansion of the City Gas Distribution Network India.
The programme also seeks to maximise utilisation of around 6.9 lakh inch-km of existing gas pipelines, which can potentially serve an additional 1.3 crore connections, supporting PNG Infrastructure Development.
Lessons from PNG Drive 2.0
The previous campaign highlighted a gap between connections and actual billed usage. Therefore, the new initiative focuses on affordability, consumer awareness and localised strategies in emerging geographical areas, while emphasising service quality in mature markets. These measures are relevant to the broader goal of Clean Cooking Fuel India and effective implementation of the National PNG Drive Scheme.
National PNG Drive 3.0 -FAQs Answered
What is National PNG Drive 3.0?
National PNG Drive 3.0 is an initiative launched by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) to expand domestic PNG connections, increase active users and strengthen India’s energy security.
What are the targets of National PNG Drive 3.0?
For FY 2027, the initiative aims to add 50 lakh new domestic PNG connections, convert 40 lakh unbilled connections into active users, and register another 50 lakh PNG users.
Why is PNG important for India’s energy security?
Expanding PNG can diversify household energy sources, reduce dependence on LPG and strengthen domestic energy resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting global fuel supplies.
How is the government supporting PNG expansion?
The Petroleum Ministry is incentivising City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies with additional lower-priced APM natural gas for incremental billed D-PNG connections and promoting greater use of existing gas pipelines.
What lessons were learned from PNG Drive 2.0?
PNG Drive 2.0 highlighted a gap between connections and actual billed usage. National PNG Drive 3.0 therefore focuses on affordability, consumer awareness, localised strategies and improved service quality.
