PANAJI
In a significant policy shift aimed at accelerating cleaner fuel adoption, the Goa government has decided to link additional 20 per cent commercial LPG allocation to mandatory registration for piped natural gas (PNG) connections, following the Centre’s decision to raise LPG supply to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels.
Importantly, officials clarified that establishments need not wait for physical pipeline connectivity. Submission of an application and undertaking would be sufficient to qualify for the enhanced LPG quota in the interim.
The move comes after the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on March 27 increased commercial LPG allocation by 20 per cent, primarily to support high-demand sectors such as steel, automobile, textile and chemical industries. Before that on March 21, it had raised the allocation by another 20 per cent for hotels, restaurants and other eaters.
Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal, in a communication to States, clarified that only those units registered with oil marketing companies and opting for PNG infrastructure would qualify for the enhanced quota.
Building on the Centre’s directive, the Goa government is now proposing to extend the additional LPG quota only to commercial establishments that apply for PNG connections and submit an undertaking declaring readiness to transition once infrastructure becomes available.
Currently, commercial establishments in Goa receive about 50 per cent of their LPG requirement through cylinders. The proposed policy could allow them to access an additional 20 per cent allocation, taking total supply up to 70% provided they formally opt into the PNG network.
Government sources said the condition is designed not only to manage immediate supply shortages but also to fast-track Goa’s transition towards a cleaner and more reliable energy ecosystem. “All together additional 40 per cent PNG supply will be provided apart from their existing requirement,” sources said.
The policy decision covers establishments including hotels, restaurants, bakeries, canteens, food processing units, hostels, hospitals, community kitchens as well as industries.
The Centre’s decision to boost LPG allocation comes amid ongoing supply pressures, with commercial demand rebounding sharply across sectors. By tying additional supply to PNG adoption, both the Centre and State appear to be aligning short-term relief measures with long-term energy transition goals.
