Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In response to ongoing challenges affecting the hospitality sector, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa convened a high-level stakeholder meeting to address commercial LPG supply disruptions and accelerate the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
The meeting was chaired by Sandip Jacques, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, along with Sanjiv Gadkar, Secretary, Civil Supplies, and attended by officials from the Tourism Department. It brought together key stakeholders from oil and gas companies, PNG providers, and representatives from travel, tourism, restaurant, and shack associations.
Discussions focused on overcoming the shortage of commercial LPG impacting restaurants, beach shacks, and allied tourism businesses across the state. The government reiterated that, in line with directives from the Central Government, commercial establishments currently dependent on LPG must transition to PNG to ensure a more stable and scalable energy supply ecosystem.
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said Goa remains committed to strengthening its tourism ecosystem through reliable and future-ready infrastructure. He stated that the transition to PNG is a key step towards ensuring consistent energy supply and enhancing ease of operations for tourism stakeholders, adding that the government will continue to work closely with all concerned to facilitate a smooth and timely transition.
Sandip Jacques emphasized that the shift to PNG is not just a regulatory step but a necessary move to ensure uninterrupted supply and long-term sustainability for Goa’s tourism ecosystem. He urged stakeholders to actively spread awareness and support end-users in applying for PNG connections, noting that the process can progress only after formal applications are submitted.
The meeting also served as a platform to hear grievances from stakeholders, including delays in PNG connections, infrastructure readiness, and operational bottlenecks. Government authorities assured that efforts are underway to streamline procedures and accelerate approvals.
The Department stressed that resolving the issue requires immediate action from both supply-side agencies and end-users, urging stakeholders to expedite applications for PNG connections to accelerate implementation and enhance operational efficiency.
The Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the tourism and hospitality sectors while ensuring compliance with long-term energy transition goals.
