Gujarat government reduces prices of CNG, PNG across the state

AHMEDABAD: Passing on the relief to consumers, Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Patel announced a reduction in prices of Compressed Natural Gas ( CNG) by Rs 10.10 per kg and Piped Natural Gas ( PNG) by Rs 2 to Rs 9.45 per standard cubic metre (SCM) for state customers, today.

CNG is currently available to Gujarat auto customers at Rs 66.30 per kg, while PNG for domestic use is priced between Rs 25.50 and Rs 40 per SCM.

After the reduction in prices of CNG and PNG, the former is now available in Gujarat at Rs 56.20.

PNG would be available at Rs 23.50 for usage of 36 SCM for two months, a Gujarat state information department statement said.

For usage exceeding beyond 36 SCM, PNG prices would stand at Rs 30.55.

Patel said the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL) has decided to supply gas to companies from Dahej.

For making Dahej the connectivity point, GAIL has levied Rs 42.46 million as connectivity charges, he said.

If the Centre reduces connectivity charges, Gujarat government plans to further provide natural gas at cheaper prices, Patel said in the statement.

A PIL was filed by Dhrangadhra Prakurtik Mandal alleging discrimination in supply of natural gas to Gujarat compared to Mumbai and Delhi.

In July 2012, the Gujarat High Court had asked the Centre to provide natural gas under the Administered Price Mechanism (APM) to Gujarat, at the same rate at which it provides gas to Delhi and Mumbai.

The Centre had challenged the court's verdict in the apex court, which had upheld the high court's judgement.