Over the last few years, Gujarat has emerged as a leader in the city gas distribution sector in India. And the credit for this goes to Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL). GGL has commissioned Piped Natural Gas supplies to Jamnagar, Bhavnagar and Kutch.Out of the total PNG (piped natural gas) connections in the country, 47 % are in Gujarat alone. Similar is the case with PNG industrial connections (for small and medium enterprises), as 65 % are in the state. Not only that, out of total PNG commercial and non-commercial connections in India, 81 % are in Gujarat. The state has 32 % of the total CNG stations in India. Gujarat is the only state with a gas transmission grid of 2600 km which has made the state a hub of natural gas. It is the only state where 26 out of 33 districts are covered by CNG/PNG.
In fact, GGL is the only company in India with a highest penetration in rural areas providing PNG and CNG. As of now, more than a million families across Gujarat are enjoying the benefits of highly affordable PNG prices in comparison with other gas fuel. Similarly, vehicles using CNG are saving around 45-50% as compared to petrol run vehicles. All this transformation is taking place under the leadership of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost economy for overall development of the society.
Gas transmission network, set up by the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) group, Gujarat State Petronet Limited (GSPL), has played a crucial role for simultaneous development of city gas distribution network across the state. GSPC is an integrated energy company which has its presence across the energy value chain and under its efficient guidance and leadership has made GGL the largest and fastest growing CGD in India.
“We have adopted the strategy to synergise the transmission network of GSPL and distribution network of city gas distribution (CGD), so that where ever transmission network of GSPL ends, distribution network of CGDs starts. This enables faster linkage of gas supply points with gas consumption points,” said official sources, adding, “GSPC has also persuaded various government departments for faster clearances and permissions for laying of gas network and also encouraged use of natural gas in the retail segment”.
CGD business is well supported by trunk line network provided by Gujarat State Petronet Limited, again a business of GSPC Group. GSPL is laying a gas grid, to facilitate gas transmission from supply points to demand centres. The gas grid is equipped with the latest bi-directional gas transmission technology to enable two-way gas flow. This introduces a lot of flexibility into transmission by allowing gas to be sourced or uploaded at either end of the pipeline network. Besides, the network is continuously monitored using SCADA systems integrated with GIS technology. Another innovation is in the open access or contract carrier principle of transmission. This allows any gas transmission company to approach GSPL for permission to use the network on payment of the required charges. Thus, private sector participation in gas transmission is encouraged, which makes more volumes available for consumers. The company has signed gas transmission agreements with various industries for the transportation of natural gas from various supply sources in Gujarat. Presently, the company transmits over 22 MMSCMD of natural gas.
Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL), a GSPC Group company and Government of Gujarat Undertaking, has been a leader in the city gas distribution sector in Gujarat and also in the country. Out of the total PNG domestic connections in Gujarat, 73% are provided by GGL alone.
Similarly, out of the total PNG Industrial connections (SMEs) in Gujarat, 72% are provided by GGL. Out of the total PNG commercial / non – commercial connections in Gujarat, 70% are provided by Gujarat Gas Limited. Out of the total CNG Stations in Gujarat, 63% are set up by GGL.
Gujarat Gas Limited (GGL), being an amalgamated entity, is leading vis-à-vis other major CGD companies in all PNG segments (domestic, industrial and commercial).
In PNG and CNG segment, other established CGDs are concentrated within urban areas. Thus PNG & CNG availability is confined only to the urban population. In contrast, Gujarat Gas Limited is the only CGD company of India to expand its gas network in every nook & corner of the state and successfully provided PNG and CNG to rural population. And this makes GGL different from other companies. Thus GGL has, in a way, achieved “Rurbanisation” in the state.
Efforts have been made to make PNG affordable for urban area, rural area and all income groups. GGL is offering a scheme of initial registration deposit of Rs 1100 and the balance of Rs 4,000 to be paid in 20 interest-free monthly instalments of Rs 200 each.
There are easy bill payment options for the rural customers. An e-Gram network has been set up for providing bill payment facilities for its rural PNG domestic customers. There are more than 500 e-Gram centers across Gujarat. Besides, there is 24 X 7 emergency services and customer care facilities across urban and rural areas.
GGL has adopted innovative practice to make CNG available in city / town / village areas. There is easy availability of CNG on National Highways, State Highways and roads connecting various cities, towns, villages to promote CNG conversion and boost CNG demand. In fact, this wider usage of natural gas is also supporting Government of India’s vision to cut down carbon emissions to compliment Paris Treaty.
GGL is also supplying PNG to more than 2960 small and medium industries, across the state, catering to chemicals, pharmaceuticals, ceramic, glass, engineering industry, textile industries etc. The company has also set up gas pipeline network with a view on industrial areas and provided eco-friendly PNG for industrial units.
The official sources said use of PNG has helped to ensure sustainable development of the industries and contribute towards overall industrial growth of the state. It has also helped towards environment protection and curbing air pollution, they added.
In the last two years, Gujarat Gas has been reducing its prices in all the segments. This was made possible due to efficient sourcing support provided by the GSPC and consumer-friendly policies implemented by the Centre.
Gujarat is all ready now to gear up for a ‘Smart Cities’ development plan.
