Patna, May 13: In a major push to improve urban energy access, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to accelerate the rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections, with a special focus on apartments and residential colonies.
The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting of the state’s Food and Consumer Protection Department at the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna.
Officials informed the meeting that over 1.12 lakh PNG connections are already operational in the state, while more than 25,000 applications are currently under process, indicating steady progress in expanding gas infrastructure.
Emphasising the need for faster execution, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to prioritise high-density housing areas to maximise coverage and improve convenience for urban residents. He noted that wider PNG access would simplify daily life while promoting cleaner and more efficient fuel usage.
The review also assessed the availability of conventional fuels, with the government assuring that petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain adequate across the state. Citizens were advised against panic buying.
At the same time, Chaudhary urged people to adopt responsible consumption practices, including limiting the use of private vehicles and shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fuel dependence and pollution.
The meeting, attended by senior officials and representatives of major oil companies, comes amid global energy uncertainties and follows a broader appeal by Narendra Modi encouraging fuel conservation and sustainable consumption.
