Hassle-free and convenient, unlike LPG cylinders

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in Bengaluru is slowly replacing the good old red cylinder of LPG that was a constant in every kitchen for years. Several localities in the city use the natural gas supplied directly to their stoves through a pipe and the number of users is expected to sharply increase across the city by 2020. DH spoke to residents across Bengaluru who already have the PNG connections as well as those who are hopeful of receiving the connections very soon.

PNG customers who have been using the piped gas for a few months now are content with the change but there are some who are still sceptical. “I have been using it for more than three months now and I am satisfied with it, both economically and in ease of usage,” says a homemaker from Malleswaram.

Her mother-in-law is still not comfortable with the fact that she cannot see the place where the gas is stored. “But I have come to trust the safety measures provided by the suppliers. I think using anything new means just starting with faith,” she adds.

The buzz around PNG has also created curiosity among the city residents who are yet to receive the connections. They are not only optimistic about the ‘cooking support’ that PNG will provide, but they are also eager to replace the LPGs as soon as possible.

“The concept sounds really good. It definitely sounds like a better option which will make life easier for working women like us,” says Rajarajeshwari, who works in a private telecom firm.

There is a section of Bengalureans who had a brush with PNG in other cities. They are hopeful but also doubt the way it will be implemented considering the way the city’s infrastructure is deteriorating. “I had used PNG for a while and it is a great alternative to the LPG. The cost and convenience of use are, of course, excellent,” says Mubeen K H, a biotechnology graduate.

Using PNG means avoiding issues of booking and waiting, she adds. “Besides, it saves the space of cylinder in the kitchens. But with the constant digging on the roads according to the agencies’ whims and fancies, I am worried about the safety of the pipelines that run across.”

The safety concern in the city was echoed by a couple residing in an apartment complex in Srirampuram. Bharti N Lalan is a homemaker who used the PNG in Mumbai three years ago. Though she gushes about the convenience of using PNG over the LPG, she has safety concerns.

She says, “I am sure the service providers make sure all the safety measures are followed, but the area around our apartment is filled with congested and unplanned residential and commercial structures. If PNG is supplied to aware and educated residents, there is no need to fear. Otherwise, the meters, pipelines and every structure need to be given detailed safety checks.”

Bharti hopes that PNG pipelines do not damage the present structure around the apartment. “As for PNG itself, it is a wonderful option. There have been incidents when I struggled with no gas cylinder and a home filled with guests. Such things won’t happen with a continuous supply of gas. It is faster, safe and reliable,” she explains.

Narendra U Lalan, Bharti’s husband and a businessman, feels the advantages of PNG surpass the minor concerns. “The delivery boys of LPG cylinders have to climb up to four floors at times without lift. Home-alone women being concerned about their safety with unknown people at the door is also addressed with PNG.”

There is also delay in delivery of gas cylinders with the onset of monsoon. “Gas cylinders are also a part of the black market which the PNG will eliminate. It will be a transparent, convenient and safe method. I believe the pros are far higher than cons of PNG,” he says.