Patna, May 24 -- The Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas has asked oil marketing companies (OMCs) to submit reports on piped natural gas (PNG) connections as the Centre plans to notify liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-free zones amid concerns over supply disruptions and rising import costs due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. However, Bihar has achieved only 30.88% of its household PNG connection target set for March this year.

Under the proposed mechanism, once PNG infrastructure becomes fully operational in a locality, the government will declare it an LPG-free zone, making it mandatory for residents to shift from LPG cylinders to PNG within three months. Failure to migrate within the stipulated period could lead to suspension o...