New Delhi: Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), one of India’s leading city gas distribution companies, has appointed Kumar Shanker as its new Managing Director with effect from June 5, 2026. He succeeds Kamal Kishore Chatiwal, who has been repatriated to promoter company GAIL (India) Limited following the leadership transition.
The appointment comes after Kumar Shanker was nominated by GAIL (India) Limited, one of the principal promoters of IGL. The company formally announced the change in leadership through a regulatory filing submitted to stock exchanges on Friday.
Leadership Change at IGL
According to the company’s filing, Kamal Kishore Chatiwal has ceased to be the Managing Director and Director of IGL with effect from June 5, 2026. Following the completion of his tenure at IGL, he has returned to GAIL.
Kumar Shanker has now assumed charge of the company at a crucial stage when India’s natural gas and city gas distribution sectors are witnessing rapid expansion under the government’s clean energy and energy transition initiatives.
IGL is a joint venture promoted by GAIL (India) Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and is among the country’s largest city gas distribution companies, supplying compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG) across multiple regions.
More Than 31 Years of Experience in Natural Gas Sector
A graduate in Chemical Engineering from BITS Pilani, Kumar Shanker brings more than three decades of extensive experience across various segments of the natural gas value chain.
Over the course of his career, he has worked in:
- Gas processing plant commissioning and operations
- Petrochemical project management
- Corporate strategy and business planning
- Marketing and commercial operations
- Regulatory affairs
- City gas distribution (CGD)
- Pipeline infrastructure management
His expertise spans both technical and policy dimensions of India’s evolving natural gas industry.
Recognised Expert in Regulatory Affairs
Kumar Shanker is widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading experts on regulatory and policy matters related to natural gas.
Over the last two decades, he has actively contributed to discussions and policy formulation involving:
- Natural gas authorization frameworks
- Pipeline tariff mechanisms
- Open access regulations
- Affiliate code-of-conduct policies
- Gas transportation reforms
His work has involved close engagement with key government institutions, including the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, NITI Aayog and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
Key Role in Unified Tariff Reform
One of Kumar Shanker’s most significant contributions has been his involvement in implementing the Unified Tariff Framework for India’s National Gas Grid.
The reform is considered a major milestone in the country’s natural gas sector as it seeks to create a more transparent and equitable gas transportation pricing mechanism, helping improve access to natural gas across regions.
Industry observers regard the unified tariff system as a key enabler for expanding natural gas consumption and strengthening India’s gas-based economy.
Pioneer of Digital Pipeline Access System
Shanker also played a central role in developing and launching GAIL’s Online Pipeline Open Access Portal, a real-time single-window digital platform.
The portal simplified capacity booking and access management across GAIL’s extensive gas pipeline network, bringing greater transparency and operational efficiency to the sector.
The initiative is widely viewed as an important step toward digitalisation and ease of doing business in India’s energy infrastructure ecosystem.
Previous Role at Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited
Before assuming charge at IGL, Kumar Shanker served as the Managing Director of Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL), where he oversaw city gas distribution operations and business expansion initiatives.
During his long association with GAIL, he held various leadership positions across multiple states, including:
- Gujarat
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- New Delhi
His experience across operational, commercial and policy functions has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of India’s energy sector.
International Engagement and Clean Energy Initiatives
Apart from his domestic responsibilities, Kumar Shanker has also contributed to international energy cooperation efforts.
He served as Co-Chair of a Sub-Committee on the Low Emissions Gas Task Force under the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, reflecting his involvement in initiatives focused on cleaner fuels and sustainable energy solutions.
His experience in both conventional natural gas infrastructure and emerging low-carbon energy strategies is expected to support IGL’s long-term growth and sustainability goals.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
Kumar Shanker’s appointment comes at a time when India is aggressively expanding its natural gas infrastructure and aiming to increase the share of natural gas in the country’s energy mix.
As Managing Director, he is expected to guide IGL’s future growth strategy, strengthen city gas distribution networks, improve operational efficiencies and support the company’s role in India’s transition toward cleaner energy sources.
With extensive experience in policy, regulation, infrastructure development and commercial operations, industry experts believe his leadership could play a significant role in shaping IGL’s next phase of growth.
About Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL)
Indraprastha Gas Limited is one of India’s leading city gas distribution companies engaged in supplying natural gas to households, industries, and the transport sector. The company plays a key role in promoting cleaner energy solutions through its expanding CNG and PNG infrastructure across major regions.
