Bihar Falls Short of PNG Goal Amid Nationwide LPG‑Free Zone Push

When the central government rolled out the LPG‑free zone scheme last year, the idea was simple: replace the pricey, subsidised cylinders of PNG (piped natural gas) with the cleaner, more affordable LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). The hope was that states would leapfrog to modern cooking fuels, cutting indoor pollution and easing the burden on households.

Fast‑forward to today, and Bihar, India’s most populous state, is still stuck at roughly 30% PNG coverage. That figure, announced by the state’s Energy Department on Tuesday, is a stark contrast to the 80%‑plus benchmarks the centre envisages for its ‘LPG‑free zones.’

Why the lag? A mix of factors, really. For one, the rollout of PNG pipelines in the state has been slower than promised, hampered by funding bottlenecks and land‑acquisition hurdles. Even where pipelines exist, the last‑mile connectivity—getting gas to the kitchen door—remains patchy.

Then there’s the price element. While LPG enjoys a subsidised tariff under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, PNG has often been billed at a higher rate in Bihar, making the switch less appealing for the average family that’s already juggling tight budgets.

Local officials also point to a lack of awareness. "Many households simply don’t know the health benefits of LPG over PNG," said a senior officer from the state's Rural Development Ministry. "We’ve been trying to run outreach camps, but the message isn’t sinking in fast enough."

Compounding the issue is the logistical nightmare of refilling LPG cylinders in remote blocks. In districts like Kishanganj and Araria, the nearest filling stations can be up to 80 kilometres away, turning what should be a convenience into a chore.

In response, the centre has hinted at a fresh tranche of funds to accelerate PNG pipeline construction, while also expanding LPG distribution networks in lagging districts. The ministry’s spokesperson warned that states falling short of the 70‑plus percent threshold could face a reduction in certain subsidies.

Meanwhile, the state government is trying its own tricks. A pilot programme in Patna district now offers a small cash incentive to families that switch from PNG to LPG, and early reports suggest a modest uptick in adoption.

Experts, however, caution against quick fixes. "You can’t just throw money at the problem and expect instant results," said Dr. Anil Sharma, a researcher at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna. "You need a coordinated approach: robust infrastructure, affordable pricing, and persistent community engagement."

For now, Bihar’s 30% PNG figure stands as a reminder that policy ambition alone doesn’t guarantee on‑ground success. It will take sustained effort, both from the centre and the state, to turn the LPG‑free zone vision into reality for the millions of families still cooking over outdated fuels.