Natural gas networks to reach 70 per cent of India’s population: Pradhan

More than 70 per cent of India’s population will have access to natural gas services after the completion of projects awarded under the 10th round of city gas distribution bids.

Speaking at an event to distribute Letter of Intents to 12 successful entities for the 50 Geographical Areas (GAs) under the 10th CGD Bidding Round, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “When we came to power only 20 per cent of the people has access to CGD, with the success of 10th CGD Bid Round, CGD network will expand to nearly 70 per cent of our population.”

“Increasing domestic production is our top most priority alongside expanding gas infrastructure in the country to move to a gas based economy. This will greatly help India become self-sufficient for its energy needs, lower our import dependence and help save foreign exchequer,” Pradhan added.

Over 2 crore PNG connections are likely to be provided by these entities, and 3,578 CNG stations will be put up in the area, an official statement said.

During the current bid round, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has won licences to retail gas in 10 cities while Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) won rights for nine geographical areas.

IOC won city gas distribution licences for nine cities, most of them in Bihar and Jharkhand, on its own and one in a joint venture with Adani Gas.

A consortium of LNG Marketing Pte Ltd and Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company of Manila Inc has bagged rights for setting up gas infrastructure and retailing nine cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Kerala.