By Z A Ansari : New Delhi marked a significant milestone today as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) celebrated its 19th Foundation Day. The event, graced by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted the pivotal role of natural gas in shaping India’s sustainable energy landscape.
Addressing an assembly of industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from City Gas Distribution (CGD) and pipeline sectors, Mr. Puri commended the achievements of the PNGRB over the past nearly two decades. Established with the mission to ensure consumer protection, foster competition, and stimulate investments, PNGRB has grown into a robust regulatory authority, crucial for overseeing India’s energy infrastructure development.
“Natural gas serves not merely as a fuel but as a cornerstone to our clean energy transition,” Mr. Puri emphasized. He outlined its benefits of being clean, affordable, and reliable, which contribute significantly to reducing urban air pollution and lowering carbon emissions, aligning with India’s ambitious net-zero goals set for 2070.
The foundation day event was not only a celebration but also an acknowledgment of the industry’s progress and a look forward to future challenges. Mr. Puri proudly noted that nearly the entire nation is now covered under the CGD network, with over 1.55 crore households enjoying piped natural gas. Additionally, the number of CNG stations has surpassed 8,500, offering a greener transportation alternative.
The operationalization of over 24,500 kilometers out of the planned 35,000-kilometer pipeline infrastructure has been a game-changer in creating a unified national gas market. This infrastructure is supported by progressive policies such as the unified tariff system, which has effectively minimized regional cost disparities and enhanced the affordability of natural gas across India.
Underlining the importance of consumer protection, Mr. Puri highlighted the stringent safety and technical standards established by PNGRB, ensuring that consumer welfare remains at the forefront of regulatory efforts. “The energy sector’s landscape is rapidly evolving with climate change, technological advancements, and shifting demand patterns. It is imperative that our regulatory frameworks keep pace with these changes to harness natural gas’s full potential,” he stated.
Looking forward, the Minister set forth clear priorities for PNGRB’s 20th year, emphasizing accelerated CGD rollouts, enhanced digital frameworks for grievance redressal, increased market competition, and alignment with national sustainability objectives.
In a gesture of recognition to the sector’s hard work and innovation, Mr. Puri also presided over an awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of various CGD and pipeline entities. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our industry partners, directly impacting millions of Indian lives,” he remarked.
As PNGRB steps into its 20th year, the event served as a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to bolstering energy security, promoting sustainability, and ensuring consumer welfare. With continued collaboration between the government, regulators, and industry stakeholders, India aims to strengthen its position as a leading player in the global shift towards a gas-based economy.
