New Delhi is witnessing a quiet revolution in how its residents power their homes. Households across the city are steadily moving away from traditional LPG cylinders. They are embracing piped natural gas, or PNG, instead. A recent government report highlights this significant shift in energy consumption patterns.
A Clear Trend Emerges
While Delhi's overall energy demand keeps climbing, the data tells a revealing story. Sales of LPG cylinders have remained flat for several years. In some segments, they have actually declined. The figures for 2021-22 and 2024-25 show this stagnation clearly.
In contrast, PNG connections are booming. The number jumped from 12.6 lakh in 2021-22 to over 17.2 lakh in 2024-25. That represents a surge of nearly 37 percent in just four years. Officials will release the complete data for 2025 later this year.
Why Consumers Are Making the Switch
Energy sector experts point to clear reasons for this change. It reflects evolving consumer preferences and major infrastructure expansion in residential areas. PNG has become a more convenient alternative to LPG for many families.
Domestic consumers find PNG cost-effective in the long run. Subsidised LPG cylinders might seem cheaper at first glance. However, stable PNG pricing and sheer ease of use make it more economical over time in areas with pipeline coverage.
The benefits are compelling. PNG offers an uninterrupted supply of gas. It eliminates the hassle of booking cylinders. It also provides a lower per-unit energy cost compared to LPG.
Broader Fuel Dynamics in Delhi
This household trend aligns with the Delhi government's larger push for cleaner fossil fuels. The goal is to curb the city's notorious urban pollution. The report also sheds light on transportation fuels.
Petrol consumption in the city rose steadily. It went from 693 thousand metric tons in 2021-22 to 1,035 thousand metric tons in 2024-25.
Diesel sales, however, tell a different tale. They peaked at 662 thousand metric tons in 2022-23. After that, they declined to 614 thousand metric tons in 2023-24. The drop continued, falling further to 558 thousand metric tons in 2024-25.
This gradual move away from diesel signals changing fuel dynamics. Government officials attribute the decline to several factors:
- Tighter emission norms for vehicles.
- A ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years.
- A noticeable shift towards CNG and electric vehicles.
Infrastructure Expansion Drives PNG Growth
Returning to PNG, its rapid network growth is a key driver. An official from Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) provided striking numbers. The total pipeline length in Delhi has doubled in the past five years.
It expanded from over 16,000 kilometres to nearly 32,000 kilometres. This massive expansion played a crucial role in connecting more households to the gas grid.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite this progress, a significant challenge remains. Most unauthorised colonies in Delhi still lack PNG connections. Residents in these areas continue to depend on LPG cylinders.
Safety concerns and technical feasibility are the main barriers. They prevent the laying and maintenance of gas pipelines in these dense, often unplanned, neighbourhoods.
Nevertheless, the number of PNG connections is poised to grow further. The government has intensified efforts to extend the network to Delhi's villages. More than 260 out of the city's nearly 350 villages have already been connected.
Work to link the remaining areas is currently underway. The IGL official expressed optimism. He stated that all villages in Delhi are likely to be covered within the current year. This expansion will bring the convenience of piped gas to even more Delhi households.
