Panaji, March 31: In response to the ongoing challenges affecting the hospitality sector, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa convened a high-level stakeholder meeting to address the pressing issue of commercial LPG supply disruptions and the urgent transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG).
The meeting was chaired by Shri Sandip Jacques, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, along with Shri Sanjiv Gadkar, Secretary, Civil Supplies, Government of Goa and attended by officials from the Department of Tourism. It brought together key stakeholders from oil and gas companies, PNG providers, and representatives from the travel, tourism, restaurant, and shack associations.
The discussion highlighted how to overcome shortage of commercial LPG that is 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.
Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa stated, “Goa remains committed to strengthening its tourism ecosystem through reliable and future-ready infrastructure. The transition to PNG is a key step towards ensuring consistent energy supply and enhancing ease of operations for tourism stakeholders. We will continue to work closely with all concerned to facilitate a smooth and timely transition.”
Shri Sandip Jacques, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Goa emphasized, “The transition to PNG is not just a regulatory step but a necessary shift to ensure uninterrupted supply and long-term sustainability for Goa’s tourism ecosystem. Stakeholders must actively spread awareness and support end-users in applying for PNG connections, as the process can only progress upon formal application. We urge all concerned to act immediately so that existing supply constraints can be resolved at the earliest.”
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 processes and accelerate approvals.
The Department stressed that resolving the issue requires immediate action from both supply-side agencies and end-users. Stakeholders were urged to expedite applications for PNG connections to accelerate implementation and enhance operational efficiency.
The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the interests of the tourism and hospitality sectors while ensuring compliance with long-term energy transition goals.
