Odisha's Bold Move to Enhance City Gas Distribution Amid Global Fuel Fluctuations

Strengthening Energy Security in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In response to the unpredictable global fuel market, the Odisha government is accelerating the development of city gas distribution (CGD) systems throughout the state. This initiative was outlined during a high-level meeting led by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.

Key officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries Hemant Sharma (Industries) and Usha Padhee (Housing and Urban Development), along with Food Supplies Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, participated in the discussions. Representatives from major gas companies such as GAIL, BPCL, and Adani Total Gas were also in attendance. The primary focus was on eliminating obstacles to gas infrastructure expansion and advocating for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as viable substitutes for LPG.

To meet the upcoming June 30 deadline, the state has mandated that all outstanding approvals for pipeline installations from municipal corporations and relevant departments be processed within a 24-hour timeframe.

Urban local authorities have been instructed to forgo road restoration and permission fees, while gas distribution firms will be permitted to operate continuously. Additionally, a state-level nodal officer will be appointed to facilitate better coordination among various departments.