Energy security is central to India's development trajectory. In light of India's shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), examine the challenges in achieving universal clean coo

GS3 Infrastructure
Energy security is central to India's development trajectory. In light of India's shift from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), examine the challenges in achieving universal clean cooking energy access.

Examine

  • 10 marks
  • 8 min
  • 150 words
  • Medium

The Hindu

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Introduction

  • Ensuring clean cooking energy access is vital for health, gender equity, and environmental sustainability.
  • India’s push from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) reflects a shift toward reliable and cleaner energy systems, but universal access remains challenging.

Rationale for Shift to PNG

  • PNG offers continuous supply, lower storage risks, and reduced logistical costs
  • Cleaner combustion compared to traditional fuels, aiding climate and health goals
  • Reduces dependence on LPG cylinder distribution networks

Challenges in Achieving Universal Access

Infrastructure Constraints

  • High cost of pipeline network expansion, especially in rural and remote areas
  • Limited coverage of City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks
  • Long gestation periods for infrastructure projects

Affordability Issues

  • High initial connection costs for PNG
  • Price volatility of natural gas imports affecting affordability
  • Continued reliance on subsidised LPG for poorer households

Regional and Urban-Rural Disparities

  • PNG largely confined to urban and semi-urban areas
  • Rural households still dependent on biomass and LPG

Supply-Side Constraints

  • Dependence on imported natural gas (LNG) exposes India to global price shocks
  • Domestic production insufficient to meet rising demand

Behavioural and Awareness Barriers

  • Preference for traditional fuels due to cultural practices
  • Lack of awareness about benefits of clean fuels

Policy and Regulatory Issues

  • Fragmented coordination between central, state, and local bodies
  • Regulatory bottlenecks in land acquisition and clearances

Way Forward

Expanding Infrastructure

  • Accelerate CGD network expansion with public-private partnerships
  • Integrate PNG expansion with urban planning and smart cities

Ensuring Affordability

  • Rationalise pricing mechanisms and targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups
  • Promote domestic gas production and diversification of supply

Bridging Regional Gaps

  • Focus on last-mile connectivity in smaller towns
  • Continue LPG as a transitional fuel in rural areas

Promoting Behavioural Change

  • Awareness campaigns on health and environmental benefits
  • Encourage women-centric outreach programmes

Strengthening Governance

  • Streamline approvals and ensure policy coordination
  • Strengthen regulatory oversight by PNGRB

Conclusion

  • While PNG represents a forward-looking clean energy solution, structural constraints limit its universalisation.
  • A hybrid, inclusive approach combining LPG, PNG, and renewables is essential to achieve sustainable and equitable clean cooking access.