Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary pushes PNG expansion in apartments, colonies
Synopsis
Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary has ordered a fast-track push to bring PNG connections to apartments and residential colonies, with 1.12 lakh connections already live and over 25,000 applications pending. The directive, backed by a full fuel supply review and an EV adoption appeal, signals Bihar's most assertive urban energy access drive yet.
Key Takeaways
Bihar CM Samrat Chaudhary directed officials to accelerate PNG rollout in apartments and residential colonies on 12 May .
1.12 lakh (1,12,000) PNG connections are already operational in Bihar , with 25,813 applications under process.
The CM reviewed availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG , assuring adequate fuel supply in the state.
Citizens were urged to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and limit four-wheeler use to reduce fuel dependency.
The meeting was held amid global energy concerns and following PM Modi's appeal to conserve fuel.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to accelerate the rollout of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across housing complexes, apartments, and residential colonies in the state, in a significant push to improve urban energy access. The directive was issued on 12 May during a high-level review meeting of the Food and Consumer Protection Department, held at the Sankalp Auditorium at the Chief Minister's residence at 1 Anee Marg, Patna.
Current PNG Rollout Status in Bihar
During the meeting, Abhay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Food and Consumer Affairs Department, presented a detailed status report on fuel supply across the state. He noted that 1.12 lakh (1,12,000) PNG connections are already operational in Bihar, with 25,813 applications currently under process. Rapid infrastructure expansion is underway to accelerate further coverage.
What the Chief Minister Directed
Chief Minister Chaudhary emphasised that extending PNG access to densely populated housing units would significantly widen coverage and improve daily convenience for residents. He instructed officials to prioritise PNG connections in apartments and colonies, ensure faster execution at the grassroots level, and take all necessary steps to maximise public convenience. He also stressed that expanding PNG access would promote cleaner, more efficient fuel use — a key environmental and public health benefit.
Fuel Supply Review and EV Push
The Chief Minister also reviewed the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG across the state. He assured citizens that Bihar currently has an adequate fuel supply and urged the public not to panic. Notably, he appealed to residents to use four-wheelers only when necessary and to consider switching to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fuel dependency and curb pollution — reflecting a broader shift in the state's energy messaging.
Key Officials Present
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Choudhary, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, and senior bureaucrats Deepak Kumar, B. Rajender, Lokesh Kumar Singh, and Sanjay Kumar Singh. Representatives from major oil companies were also present. The review was held against the backdrop of global energy concerns and followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to citizens to conserve fuel.
With over a lakh connections already live and thousands more in the pipeline, Bihar's PNG expansion signals a sustained push toward cleaner urban energy — and the pace of execution over the coming months will determine how effectively the state translates policy intent into household-level impact.
Point of View
Penetration remains thin. Prioritising apartments and colonies is strategically efficient since a single building connection multiplies household coverage, but it also risks bypassing lower-income localities where clean fuel access matters most. The EV appeal, while forward-looking, sits awkwardly against Bihar's still-developing charging infrastructure. The meeting's backdrop — a global energy crisis and a PM-level conservation appeal — adds urgency, but urgency without a time-bound target and independent monitoring rarely accelerates outcomes in state-level rollouts.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PNG expansion drive in Bihar?
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to fast-track Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across apartments and residential colonies in the state. As of 12 May, 1.12 lakh connections are already operational and 25,813 applications are under process.
Why is Bihar focusing PNG expansion on apartments and housing colonies?
The Chief Minister noted that densely populated housing units offer the highest coverage efficiency per connection, significantly increasing the number of households served. It also aligns with the government's goal of promoting cleaner, more efficient fuel use in urban areas.
Is there a fuel shortage in Bihar?
No. Chief Minister Chaudhary assured citizens during the 12 May review meeting that Bihar has an adequate supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and urged the public not to panic amid broader global energy concerns.
What did Bihar CM say about electric vehicles?
CM Chaudhary appealed to citizens to use four-wheelers only when necessary and to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fuel dependency and pollution, signalling a broader shift in the state's energy policy messaging.
Who attended the PNG review meeting in Patna?
The meeting was attended by Food and Consumer Protection Minister Ashok Choudhary, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, senior officials Deepak Kumar, B. Rajender, Lokesh Kumar Singh, and Sanjay Kumar Singh, along with representatives from major oil companies.
