Puducherry is set to commence piped natural gas (PNG) supply to industries from August 15, with domestic and commercial distribution to follow in phases.

The project, implemented by East Coast Natural Gas Distribution has completed an 18-km main pipeline from Sorapet to Mettupalayam. “We aim to energise the pipeline by August 15,” said A Magendiran, Assistant Vice President of the company. Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) will supply the gas and is awaiting clearance from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). “Once we receive clearance, commissioning will begin immediately,” A Magendiran added.

The initial phase will supply one industrial consumer in Mettupalayam to assess system performance and pricing.

Meanwhile, urban pipeline work for domestic consumers is underway, with pending approvals delaying some sections. Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan has urged departments to expedite clearances. An additional 14 km of pipeline will be laid by the end of the financial year, aiming to serve 8,000 to 10,000 consumers in 2025 and expand to 25,000 eventually. To promote PNG adoption, the Puducherry government has reduced VAT on domestic PNG from 14.5 percent to five percent, and to 7.5 percent for commercial and industrial use from 01 April, 2025.