Union Minister Harshdeep Singh Puri launches 12th CGD Bidding in Delhi
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri today launched the 12th City Gas Distribution, CGD Bidding Round of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in Delhi. Post this Bidding round, almost the entire country except Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep, would have access to CGD networks.
Addressing the event, the Minister said that two percent of India’s population and 12 percent geographical area was left to be covered and with this round, this will be covered. The network is spread over five states and two union territories and covers 92 districts. The ministry plans to take it to island areas to have 100 percent coverage in the coming future.
Mr. Puri highlighted the importance of natural gas. He said that from a 14 thousand-kilometer-long pipeline network in 2014 to a 23 thousand 500 long network in the present day, the goal is to achieve a 32 thousand-long network.
Mr. Puri said that in the coming period, gas will play an important role, and the country aims to increase the share of Natural Gas in the energy basket to 15 percent. He said it shows the government’s commitment to energy transformation. He said the aim is to make energy available to remote corners of the country.