Relevance: GS II (Governance) & GS III (Economy)

Amid concerns over liquefied petroleum gas supply disruptions due to the West Asia conflict, the Assam Government has accelerated the rollout of piped natural gas connections across the State to ensure reliable and affordable household energy supply.

Key Developments

1. Barauni–Guwahati Gas Pipeline

• The Barauni–Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline, completed by GAIL India Limited, is now nearing full operationalisation.
• Project cost revised from ₹3,308 crore to ₹3,992 crore.
• Remaining pre-commissioning work is expected to be completed soon.

2. PNG Supply Rollout

• Around 6,000 domestic consumers in Guwahati are expected to receive piped gas by April 2026.
• Connections have already been provided in areas like:
• Noonmati, Dispur, Beltola, Khanapara and Hatigaon.

Expansion Plans

• Approximately 12,500 new connections planned across:
• Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Dibrugarh and Tinsukia.
• In Upper Assam alone, 5,000 additional connections are proposed.

Existing Coverage

• Assam Gas Company Limited currently supplies PNG to:
• 63,000 domestic consumers
• 570 industrial units
• 1,500 commercial establishments

Policy Framework

• The initiative operates under the City Gas Distribution network expansion, promoted by:
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board
• National push towards cleaner fuels and energy transition

Objectives

• Ensure energy security amid LPG supply disruptions.
• Promote clean fuel usage with lower emissions than conventional fuels.
• Reduce dependence on cylinder-based fuel systems.
• Improve ease of living through continuous gas supply.

Significance

• Strengthens urban energy infrastructure in Assam.
• Supports India’s goal of increasing the share of natural gas in the energy mix.
• Reduces household fuel costs and environmental pollution.

Exam Hook ( Prelims)

Consider the following statements:

The Barauni–Guwahati pipeline is part of India’s natural gas infrastructure expansion.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board regulates city gas distribution in India.
Piped natural gas is considered a cleaner alternative to conventional fuels like liquefied petroleum gas.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

One-line Wrap:

The expansion of piped natural gas in Assam marks a key step toward cleaner, reliable, and affordable energy access in the State.