Surat, April 4 (NationPress) Residents who submit applications for new domestic piped natural gas (PNG) connections by June 30 will benefit from a Rs 500 discount, as confirmed by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) Managing Director Avantika Singh Aulakh during a review meeting in Surat on Saturday.

This discount applies to areas where gas pipeline infrastructure is already in place, and the credited amount will appear on the consumer's bill once the connection is established.

Aulakh explained that this initiative aims to promote the adoption of PNG connections and facilitate access to a reliable gas supply.

The announcement came during a meeting at the District Seva Sadan, where officials assessed the availability and distribution of essential commodities, including petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers within Surat district.

The meeting saw the participation of district and municipal officials, along with representatives from various oil and gas distribution firms.

Aulakh highlighted that there are currently 1.52 million domestic PNG connections in Surat city and stated, “The government is consistently collaborating with oil and gas companies to ensure consumers receive a steady gas supply.”

She also reassured that there is an adequate stock of essential items, including gas, petrol, diesel, and fertilizers throughout the state, with plans in place to sustain these supplies moving forward.

Addressing the international context, Aulakh mentioned, “Given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, district administration and municipal officials are coordinating efforts to ensure the smooth supply of essential goods to the public,” adding that distribution in Surat district remains uninterrupted.

She commended the collaborative efforts of authorities.

Aulakh also noted that the Central Government has issued directives to prioritize PNG connections, emphasizing the urgency for implementation throughout the state.

“Residential users, educational institutions, and hospitals are being given priority,” she added.

Officials reported that in Surat district, 1,805 applications for commercial PNG connections have been approved, which includes applications from 39 hospitals and 16 railway canteens.

Gas supply arrangements are also being facilitated for industrial units and their canteens or mess facilities, with an emphasis on community kitchens, Samras hostels, and hospitals.

District Supply Officer Darshan Shah mentioned that all dealers of HPCL, BPCL, and IOCL have commenced the supply of 5 kg and 3 kg gas cylinders.

He added that the process for obtaining PNG pipeline connections has been streamlined, reducing the installation timeframe from 45 days to just 7 days.