City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network and PNGRB
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), established under the PNGRB Act, 2006, is the statutory body that regulates the natural gas sector in India. It grants authorisation to entities for developing City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks in specified Geographical Areas (GAs), covering both PNG (piped natural gas for households and industries) and CNG (compressed natural gas for vehicles). CGD networks create an exclusive right for the authorised entity to develop gas infrastructure in the designated area, which incentivises investment but also creates accountability — failure to meet pipeline-laying milestones can result in loss of exclusivity.
- India's CGD network now covers 307 Geographical Areas (GAs) across 784 districts in 34 states and UTs — effectively reaching close to 100% of India's landmass.
- As of December 2025, India had 1.62 crore domestic PNG connections; the government targets 12.63 crore PNG connections by 2034.
- PNGRB has been designated as the nodal agency under the 2026 order to monitor approvals, rejections, and compliance by authorised entities.
- The exclusivity period for CGD operators can be revoked if pipeline laying does not begin within four months of approval — a significant new enforcement mechanism.
● Tracked since March 25, 2026 · last seen August 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes