In a significant development on May 20, 2026, the Gujarat government announced that within just 2.5 months, it has successfully rolled out 40,000 new domestic PNG (D-PNG) gas connections and reinstated 13,000 reconnections. This initiative comes in response to the ongoing global energy crisis, ensuring that residents have access to essential gas supplies. The announcement was made during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.
During the meeting, government spokesperson and minister Jitu Vaghani highlighted the urgency of maintaining a reliable gas supply for households. He stated that the rapid expansion of domestic gas supply by Gujarat Energy Ltd (GEL) was crucial for ordinary citizens, especially given the current international instability affecting energy markets. "Since March 1, GEL has provided these connections to ensure that households continue to receive D-PNG gas for cooking and heating," Vaghani explained.
- Prioritization of public institutions — The government ensured gas connections for hospitals, schools, and hostels.
- Response to industrial challenges — GEL's initiatives have also aimed to support the Morbi ceramic industry, which faced disruptions earlier this year.
- Commercial gas connections — In addition to domestic connections, 500 new commercial gas connections have been issued.
Vaghani elaborated on the statewide efforts, stating that all city gas distribution companies in Gujarat collectively provided approximately 85,000 D-PNG connections and around 1,100 commercial connections during this period. The state government has prioritized gas connections for institutions serving the common public, including hospitals, schools, and factory canteens, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining essential services.
The minister also addressed the challenges faced by Morbi's ceramic industry, which had seen operational disruptions due to rising raw material prices. He noted that effective planning and gas distribution by GEL had helped revive industrial activity in the region. By swiftly addressing these issues, over 670 factories in Morbi have resumed operations, showcasing the state government's ability to respond effectively to crises and ensure economic stability.
