Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh has set a target of 10 lakh Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections within the next six months. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday emphasised the need to promote the use of PNG as a preferred alternative.
Reviewing the domestic gas supply with officials at the secretariat on Friday, the Chief Minister directed officials and oil companies to address domestic gas supply challenges arising due to global conflicts.
Chandrababu Naidu instructed officials to create awareness among beneficiaries of the Deepam scheme about the advantages of switching to PNG. He noted that beneficiaries who opt for PNG will continue to receive the subsidy provided under the Deepam scheme, and orders to this effect should be issued immediately.
He also stressed the importance of clearly informing beneficiaries that they can retain their scheme benefits even after migrating to PNG connections.
Under the Deepam 2.0 scheme, launched on October 31, 2024, three free LPG cylinders per year are given to every eligible household.
Part of the “Super Six” promises, the scheme aims to reduce financial burdens on families, improve women’s health, and promote cleaner cooking, covering over 58 lakh beneficiaries
The Chief Minister assessed measures being taken by oil companies to expand PNG connections and overcome supply constraints. He set a target of providing 10 lakh PNG connections within the next six months, directing officials to ensure there is no delay in achieving this goal.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the domestic gas situation is expected to normalise soon.
Reviewing the delay in the Srikakulam–Kakinada natural gas pipeline project, the Chief Minister sought explanations from officials.
Upon being informed that certain decisions are pending at the Central level, he directly spoke to Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and urged him to expedite completion of the project, noting that the tendering process has already been completed.
The Union Minister responded positively and assured that the matter would be reviewed soon and that necessary action would be taken to accelerate the project.
(IANS)
