The government’s recent directive mandating households to shift from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) has sparked concern in Goa. While PNG is indeed safer, cleaner, and more economical, the reality is that Goa lacks the necessary infrastructure to make this transition viable. Unlike Mumbai and other metros where PNG is already available, our state has only scattered housing societies with pipes and meter boxes installed, but residents remain hesitant due to incomplete connectivity and lack of awareness. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have disrupted LPG supplies, highlighting the urgency of diversifying energy sources. PNG, being domestically produced and sourced through multiple channels, offers a more reliable alternative. For Goa, where households still rely almost entirely on LPG cylinders, this directive risks penalizing consumers without providing them with a practical alternative. The government must prioritize pipeline laying and last-mile connectivity across residential areas. Goa deserves the same access to cleaner, safer, and more affordable fuels as other parts of India. Without urgent investment in infrastructure, the mandate will remain impractical and unfair to Goan households.
