The government has said households must shift to piped natural gas (PNG) where the facility is available, warning that LPG supply may be stopped for those who do not switch within the prescribed time. The directive comes as India faces supply pressure on liquefied petroleum gas due to disruptions in West Asia, prompting authorities to push faster expansion of the city gas network. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening energy security, reducing dependence on LPG cylinders and ensuring that limited supplies are redirected to regions that do not yet have pipeline connectivity.
LPG To Stop Where PNG Exists
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, mandating a shift to piped natural gas in areas where pipeline connectivity has already been provided. Under the order issued on March 24, LPG supply to a household may be discontinued three months after the consumer is informed that PNG is available but has not applied for a connection.
Delhi: Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, says, “To promote PNG connections, the Government of India issued another gazette notification yesterday. The main objective is to streamline the application fees and approval timelines related to… pic.twitter.com/l1L8nwj0Wo
— IANS (@ians_india) March 25, 2026
However, LPG supply will continue if the authorised gas distribution entity certifies that providing a piped connection is technically infeasible. In such cases, a no-objection certificate must be issued and recorded, and the exemption can be withdrawn once connectivity becomes possible.
Officials said the policy is intended to free LPG supplies from cities with gas pipelines and divert them to regions that still depend entirely on cylinders.
Push To Expand Gas Network
The order has been issued under the Essential Commodities Act to speed up the expansion of pipeline infrastructure across the country. It simplifies approval procedures, fixes charges and requires authorities to grant permissions within set timelines, failing which approval will be treated as granted.
Housing societies and other entities controlling access must allow pipeline work within three working days, while last-mile PNG connections are to be provided within 48 hours where feasible. Applications for connectivity cannot be rejected without valid technical reasons.
Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal said the reforms aim to turn the current supply challenge into an opportunity to accelerate gas network expansion and promote fuel diversification. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has been made the nodal agency to monitor implementation and ensure compliance with the new rules.
