Gandhinagar, May 21: The Gujarat government announced that it has successfully provided 40,000 new domestic PNG (D-PNG) gas connections and 13,000 reconnections within just two and a half months. This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to maintain a steady gas supply amid the ongoing global energy crisis.
The review was conducted during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. Government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani stated that the meeting focused on the availability of commercial and PNG gas in Gujarat, as well as the status of new connections.
After the meeting, Vaghani informed reporters that Gujarat Energy Limited (GEL) has rapidly expanded the domestic gas network to ensure that citizens have access to D-PNG gas for household use, despite the global crisis.
“Since March 1, GEL has provided 40,000 new D-PNG gas connections and restored 13,000 connections. During this period, the company has also issued 500 new commercial gas connections,” he said.
Discussing the statewide situation, Vaghani noted that all city gas distribution companies operating in Gujarat, including GEL, have collectively provided approximately 85,000 D-PNG connections and 1,100 commercial connections.
The minister emphasized that the state government prioritized gas connections for institutions serving the public, such as hospitals, hostels, schools, colleges, and factory canteens. He mentioned that GEL alone has provided 110 priority connections, while other state companies have issued 225 additional connections.
Vaghani also reviewed the condition of the ceramic industry in Morbi, which faced challenges earlier this year due to rising raw material and transportation costs. According to the minister, several factory owners voluntarily halted production in the second half of March, leading to a reduction in operational factories in Morbi to just 83 by March 31.
Describing Morbi’s ceramic industry as “the pride of the entire country,” Vaghani stated that the state government made swift decisions to restore industrial activities despite international instability.
He noted, “Under the guidance of the Chief Minister, GEL devised an effective plan for gas distribution, even amid war-like conditions in Middle Eastern countries.”
Thanks to the efforts of the state government and GEL, industrial activities in Morbi have resumed in a short time. “In just one and a half months, over 670 factories in Morbi have restarted operations,” he added.
Currently, around 865 industrial units in Morbi are connected to GEL’s gas pipeline network. Vaghani assured that to prevent any disruption in gas supply during the global crisis, GEL has procured natural gas from markets outside the Middle East, following directives from the central government.
He claimed that GEL has also held meetings with the Morbi Ceramic Association to reassure industrial units that gas prices will remain stable throughout May. “As a result, the industrial units in Morbi have become active and operational again,” the minister concluded.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment