Ahmedabad: Amid evolving geopolitical developments in West Asia, both the Central and Gujarat governments are closely monitoring the availability and pricing of petroleum products and other essential commodities. Authorities have assured that adequate measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply and accessibility for citizens across the state.

An official press briefing was held on Tuesday at the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Ahmedabad, where senior officials outlined the state’s preparedness to manage potential disruptions. The briefing focused on the availability of CNG and PNG, the impact of the West Asia situation on Gujarat’s industrial sector, and the government’s mitigation strategies.

Limited Impact on Industry, Flexibility Measures Introduced

K.C. Sampat, Additional Commissioner of the Industries and Mines Department, stated, “The restriction on solid alternative fuels for industrial and commercial units has been removed for three months to ensure operational flexibility by reducing pressure on gas supply.”

He further said, “The impact of the West Asia situation has remained limited on the state’s industrial sector, and most industries are operating regularly, although some have been partially affected.”

He added that the state government is giving due importance to priority sectors along with effective management of LNG and LPG supply. Operations are being carried out on a priority basis to ensure that domestic LPG and PNG supply remains uninterrupted. Detailed information about the impact of the West Asia crisis on Gujarat’s industries is given below.

Industrial Status: Key Figures

According to consolidated data from District Industry Centres, GIDC offices, and labour departments:

• Gujarat has approximately 4.11 lakh registered industries.
• Around 1,212 units have shut down, largely due to viability issues rather than gas shortages.
• Nearly 28,517 industries are operating at reduced capacity.
• No major incidents of worker layoffs have been reported.
• 159 industrial community kitchens have been set up, benefiting about 50,000 workers.

District-Level Interventions

District administrations have been actively engaging with industrial stakeholders through regular coordination and review meetings. These interactions have enabled real-time assessment of challenges related to raw materials, transportation, and supply chains.

Authorities have provided timely guidance and support, including advisory solutions and inter-departmental coordination, to address operational issues faced by industries.

State-Level Measures

The Gujarat government, in coordination with the Centre, has implemented multiple steps to mitigate disruptions:

• Fuel Prioritisation: Supply prioritised for key sectors such as steel, automobiles, textiles, chemicals, plastics, and dyes.
• Rational Gas Allocation: Controlled reduction in industrial gas supply to ensure continuity of domestic LPG and PNG.
• Alternative Fuel Use: Temporary approval for fuels like coal, kerosene, biomass, and waste-derived fuels.
• Enhanced LPG Distribution: Districts allowed extended delivery hours for faster distribution.
• Worker Support: Provision of 5-kg LPG cylinders to industrial workers and priority PNG connections.

CNG Supply Remains Unaffected

GSPC’s Dipen Chauhan stated that no CNG stations have been shut since the onset of the West Asia crisis, and supply has remained uninterrupted.

“Gujarat consumes nearly 40 lakh kg of CNG daily, supporting around 7.5 lakh vehicles. Adequate gas availability is ensured,” he said, urging citizens to opt for PNG connections.

Gujarat Leads in City Gas Distribution

Gujarat continues to lead the country in City Gas Distribution (CGD), being the first state to achieve full coverage under licences granted by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

• The state accounts for 23% of India’s domestic PNG connections.
• It holds a 51% share in commercial PNG connections and 28% in industrial connections.
• Gujarat has 1,073 CNG stations, contributing 13% of the national total.

PNG Expansion Gains Momentum

As per the press release, the state-wide campaign to promote the transition from LPG to PNG has yielded significant results.

Significant increase in the pace of work by all entities from March to April 5, 2026:

• New Domestic Registrations: 49,898 new PNG registrations completed.
• New Domestic Conversions: 26,909 PNG conversions completed.
• Commercial Growth: 911 new registrations and 496 conversions recorded.

An increase of 948% has been observed in domestic registrations following government instructions. All CGD companies, including Gujarat Gas, are actively contributing to this rapid adoption.

Consumer-Friendly Initiatives

To boost PNG adoption, several measures have been introduced:

• Simplified connection process within 7 days
• QR code-based self-registration
• Doorstep service camps
• Statewide awareness campaigns

Many CGD (City Gas Distribution) companies are offering a rebate of ₹500 to customers applying for new domestic PNG connections.

LNG Supply Outlook Stable

Officials confirmed that adequate LNG supplies are available at Mundra and Dahej terminals. With four additional cargoes expected during April–May 2026, supply is projected to remain stable. Alternative sourcing arrangements by GSPC are also in place to ensure continuity.

Situation Under Continuous Review

Authorities reiterated that while the West Asia situation is being closely monitored, its current impact on Gujarat remains limited. The government continues to implement proactive measures to safeguard industrial activity and ensure uninterrupted access to essential energy resources. DeshGujarat