Mumbai: Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL), one of India’s leading City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies, has achieved a major milestone by successfully transitioning Ashiv village in its Latur Geographical Area (GA) from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
With the completion of the transition, Ashiv has become Maharashtra’s first 100% LPG-free PNG village, marking one of MGL’s most comprehensive village-level PNG conversion initiatives.
The milestone was formally commemorated on 20 August 2026 at a ceremony held in Ashiv, highlighting MGL’s efforts to expand the reach of clean and reliable natural gas beyond urban centres into semi-urban and rural areas of Maharashtra.
MGL Connects 1,050 Households to PNG
MGL has established PNG connectivity for 1,050 households in Ashiv, enabling a large majority of families in the village to shift completely from cylinder-based cooking fuel to piped natural gas.
With PNG supplied directly through pipelines connected to kitchens, households no longer need to depend on LPG cylinder bookings and delivery schedules.
The transition provides residents with:
- Uninterrupted cooking fuel supply
- Direct pipeline connectivity
- Greater convenience for households
- Reduced dependence on LPG cylinders
- Access to cleaner and reliable natural gas
The initiative represents a significant step in extending city gas infrastructure into rural communities.
Read also: Mahanagar Gas Limited Appoints Praveer Kumar Srivastava as MD for 5-Year Term from April 30, 2026
Ashiv Becomes Maharashtra’s First LPG-Free PNG Village
The complete conversion of Ashiv from LPG to PNG is among the most extensive village-level transitions undertaken by MGL to date.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yadnesh Dhuri, Chief Executive Officer, Mahanagar Gas Limited (SBU), said the achievement demonstrates that city gas infrastructure can be purposefully extended into rural areas while maintaining the discipline of an urban rollout and taking into account the needs of local communities.
He said the Ashiv model could be replicated across other villages in the Latur GA and MGL’s other operating areas.
PNG Transition Offers Safer and Convenient Fuel Supply
The shift from cylinder-based LPG to piped natural gas is expected to improve convenience for households by ensuring a continuous fuel supply directly to their kitchens. MGL said the transition reflects its focus on expanding access to clean and reliable energy while extending the benefits of PNG to more communities.
The company is also working to deepen its presence across Maharashtra and Karnataka, with rural expansion forming an important part of its broader city gas distribution efforts.
Local Administration and Residents Support PNG Rollout
MGL acknowledged the support extended by the local administration, authorities and residents of Ashiv in implementing the PNG network across the village. The cooperation of local stakeholders helped facilitate the installation of the network and extend PNG supply to households.
The ceremony brought together MGL representatives, local administration officials, Gram Panchayat representatives and residents, marking the successful completion of the village-level transition.
Key Dignitaries Present at Ashiv Ceremony
The milestone event was attended by several officials and representatives, including:
- Yadnesh Dhuri, Chief Executive Officer, MGL (SBU)
- Komal Walke, Sarpanch, Gram Panchayat, Ashiv
- Venkatesh Ravload, District Supply Officer
- Ghanshyam Adsul, Tahsildar, Ausa
- Priyanka Borkar, Taluka Supply Officer
- Rizwan Patel, Sales Officer, BPCL
- Adv. Parikshit Abhimanyu Pawar, President, Creative Foundation
- MGL representatives and local residents
Initiative Supports India’s Cleaner Energy Transition
The Ashiv initiative also aligns with the Government of India’s broader push towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy transition. The expansion of gas-based infrastructure and greater adoption of PNG can support communities in moving towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.
MGL said supportive government policies and the regulatory framework have played an important role in expanding access to PNG and encouraging communities to transition towards cleaner energy.
The company has also appealed to residents of Latur to opt for PNG and contribute towards a cleaner, safer and better future while supporting India’s journey towards energy self-reliance.
MGL’s Rural Expansion Strategy
The conversion of Ashiv into a 100% LPG-free PNG village represents an important milestone in MGL’s broader rural expansion strategy. The company aims to take the benefits of piped natural gas beyond major urban centres and into more villages and communities across its operational areas.
The Ashiv model could provide a roadmap for similar PNG expansion initiatives in other villages, particularly in the Latur Geographical Area.
About Mahanagar Gas Limited
Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) is one of India’s largest natural gas distribution companies, serving the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. As a public sector undertaking, MGL is dedicated to providing eco-friendly, safe, and reliable natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and transport sectors. The company is playing a crucial role in promoting cleaner fuels like CNG and PNG and is actively expanding into LNG and other clean energy initiatives to support sustainable urban development.
