India’s natural gas expansion will increasingly depend on stronger pipeline economics, better network utilisation, unified tariffs and faster integration of alternative gases such as compressed biogas, as policymakers seek to make the system more resilient to supply disruptions.
Delivering the keynote at the 6th ET Energy Leadership Summit 2026 on Thursday, PNGRB Secretary Anjan Kumar Mishra outlined the regulator’s priorities, including revised pipeline bidding norms, greater network utilisation, imbalance charge reforms and a new PNG connections portal.
The two-day event is being held from September 9-10, 2026, in New Delhi.
Mishra said recent disruptions in global energy markets have reinforced the importance of building a system capable of balancing availability, affordability and sustainability.
India is seeking to raise the share of natural gas in its energy basket from around 6 per cent towards 15 per cent, a shift that will require not only additional gas supply but also infrastructure capable of moving it reliably across the country.
Pipeline investment needs stronger economics
One of PNGRB’s priorities is improving investment conditions for natural gas pipelines.
Mishra said the existing network has a transportation capacity of around 400 MMSCMD, but utilisation varies significantly, with some pipelines operating at relatively low levels.
The regulator is therefore working on new bidding parameters for natural gas pipelines, particularly to address volume risk and make pipeline transportation more attractive to investors.
The proposals will be taken through wider consultation before implementation.
PNGRB is also examining greater utilisation of sub-transmission pipelines developed by city gas distribution companies. Better interconnection could create redundancy in the network while reducing unnecessary duplication of infrastructure.
Towards more uniform gas tariffs
Mishra highlighted the introduction of a unified tariff framework for city gas distribution entities, aimed at reducing the disadvantage faced by consumers located farther away from LNG entry points.
The longer-term ambition, he said, is to move progressively towards a more uniform tariff framework across the country.
The regulator is also developing a “My PNG” portal that could provide consumers with a single platform to request piped natural gas connections and raise related queries.
The initiative is expected to support the wider push to expand PNG adoption, particularly for domestic cooking.
CBG gains a larger role
Compressed biogas is also emerging as an important part of the gas strategy.
Mishra said CBG blending has already crossed 2 per cent and is expected to reach 3 per cent by March 31, 2027.
He pointed to the Sampurna Gobardhan initiative as a mechanism that could accelerate CBG deployment by addressing issues around project development, connectivity and offtake.
PNGRB is also considering reforms to imbalance charges, particularly for smaller CGD entities and difficult-to-serve regions.
State-level issues, including VAT and safety frameworks, remain part of the regulatory agenda, with the board engaging directly with state governments.
The next phase of India’s gas transition will therefore be shaped less by isolated supply additions and more by whether the country can build an interconnected, investible and flexible gas network that remains reliable even during periods of global market disruption.
