IGL Took Piped Gas to Record 0.2 Mn Homes, Added 54 CNG Stations in 2018-19

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has rolled out more than 0.2 million new PNG (piped natural gas) connections and expanded its CNG (compressed natural gas) network to 500 stations by setting up 54 new outlets in 2018-19, company chairman Gajendra Singh told shareholders on Monday. Singh, who is also director (marketing) of state-run gas utility GAIL, said the company will invest Rs 11.70 billion in 2019-20 to build new CNG stations and create pipeline infrastructure in its present and prospective markets.

The rapid netwrok expansion pushed by company MD ES Ranganathan has made IGL the largest CNG retailer in the country and raised its total installed compression capacity to over 8.4 million kg per day. Simply put, higher compression capacity means the company can fill more vehicles in lesser time. CNG sale to industrial and commercial customers too grew 13% during the last financial year under the watch of director (commercial) Amit Garg.

The company is now looking to consolidate its position in existing areas and foray into new geographical areas. durng the last fiscal, IGL won authorisation to set up city gas network in three new geographical areas — Kanpur (except area already authorised) Hamirpur and Fatehpur in UP, Kaithal in Haryana and Ajmer, Pali and Rajsamand in Rajasthan.

Singh said IGL is constantly improving its consumer interface by leveraging information technology in all its operations as the price differential between CNG and alternate fuels will continue to drive conversion of petrol-driven private vehicles. IGL has added new features to its ‘IGL Connect’ app to improve the consumer experience and convenience. IGL is also working on plans to set up LNG/LCNG stations, provide consultancy services in setting up CGD projects, manufacturing of gas meters, promote use of natural gas in home appliances and also explore new business avenues.