Amid the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) shortage, the government of India has asked all the ministries to assess the potential demand of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and push for its expansion wherever the connection is possible. The government has warned that LPG supplies may be stopped for those who do not switch within the prescribed time. It has also asked the residential colonies and canteens to switch to PNG connections. This will also help India reduce dependence on imported LPG in the long run. Recently, the Centre hiked the prices of LPG cylinders and commercial cylinders. LPG supply remains a matter of concern due to West Asia crisis. India is currently fulfilling its LPG demand by importing from alternative geographies such as the US, Russia and Japan.
The city gas distribution (CGD) entities have been directed by the petroleum and natural gas regulatory board to shorten the timeline between the submission of applications and the commencement of gas supply to households. They have also been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments, such as, canteens, restaurants and hotels.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, mandating to switch to PNG connections wherever possible. The order has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act to speed up the expansion of PNG connections across India. It is to be noted that, applications for the connectivity cannot be rejected without valid technical reasons. The nodal agency to monitor implementation and ensure compliance with the new rules is Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.
