Gas distribution companies in Gujarat are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for piped natural gas connections, triggering a rapid expansion of their field workforce. The spike follows LPG shortages linked to the West Asia conflict and new government rules mandating a transition to PNG in notified areas.
Leading players such as Gujarat Gas, Adani Total Gas and Sabarmati Gas have significantly scaled up hiring through contractors. At the same time, they are investing in training programmes to address the shortage of skilled workers in plumbing and pipeline installation.
Reportedly, Gujarat Gas, which serves nearly 70 per cent of notified areas and around 22 lakh customers, has more than doubled its contractor workforce from about 1,150 in February to 2,450 now. Daily applications have surged to 800–900, compared to 300–400 earlier.
Adani Total Gas has added roughly 300 workers, including over 200 in Ahmedabad, where it caters to more than six lakh customers. The company has been receiving about 500 new connection requests each day since March.
Sabarmati Gas has also seen a sharp rise in demand. Applications have increased threefold, from around 60 per day in February to nearly 180 now. Its contractual workforce has doubled to about 340 workers.
The hiring surge is creating employment opportunities, with workers earning between Rs 18,000 and Rs 20,000 per month based on skill levels. However, companies continue to face a shortage of trained manpower, especially for household connections.
To bridge this gap, firms are collaborating with ITIs and vocational institutes to train new workers. Meanwhile, consumers are responding quickly to the policy push, with many opting for PNG due to faster installation and convenience.
The government has also eased infrastructure rollout by tightening Right of Way timelines. Approvals are now automatically granted if authorities fail to respond within set deadlines, helping companies accelerate network expansion.
