LPG supply: The government has moved to tighten norms linked to LNG supply amid the ongoing supply disruptions triggered by the war in West Asia. As per the government’s latest mandate, households that refuse to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) where such connectivity is available, might soon lose their LPG supply.
The new order, cited by news agency PTI, seeks to boost expansion of the gas network and reduce dependence on a single fuel.
Govt pushing for PNG switch
As India grapples with an LPG shortage due to the war in West Asia disrupting supplies from key sources, the government is pushing households and commercial users to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) — a more convenient alternative that is both domestically produced and sourced through diversified supply, PTI reported.
PNG is continuously supplied to kitchen burners through pipelines, eliminating the need to book refills.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, aimed at accelerating pipeline infrastructure, easing approvals and promoting a shift from LPG to PNG to strengthen energy security.
What does the order say?
The order issued on March 24 states that LPG supply “shall cease after three months” if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability. The provision, however, allows continuation where it is “technically infeasible” to provide a piped connection, subject to a no-objection certificate.
Commenting on the order, Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal in the post on X said “a crisis (has been) turned into an opportunity” through the ease of doing business reforms.
The order, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, seeks to fast-track pipeline infrastructure by easing approvals, standardising charges and ensuring time-bound permissions.
To facilitate rapid rollout, public authorities must grant right of way or permissions within prescribed timelines, failing which approvals will be deemed granted. The order also bars authorities from imposing charges beyond those specified.
In housing areas, entities controlling access must grant permissions within three working days, and last-mile PNG connectivity is to be provided within 48 hours. Applications for pipeline connectivity in such areas cannot be rejected.
Govt clarifies on LPG refill booking timelines
Meanwhile, the government today issued clarification, dismissing reports and social media posts that claimed changes in the existing timelines for booking LPG cylinder refills for different categories of consumers.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a statement that news reports and social media posts claiming revised LPG refill booking timelines, including 45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for non-PMUY single bottle connections and 35 days for non-PMUY double bottle connections., are incorrect.
7 empowered groups to address energy challenges
In the wake of the prevailing geopolitical situation in West Asia, the Centre has constituted seven empowered groups to comprehensively address emerging energy challenges. To ensure preparedness, the government is set to formulate strategies on LPG and energy supplies and across other key sectors.
Petroleum, LNG, LPG and Energy is one among the seven empowered groups constituted by the authorities. Led by Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Neeraj Mittal (Convenor), this group comprises senior officials from power, coal, and mining ministries, along with heads of major PSUs such as ONGC, IOC, and GAIL.
(With inputs from PTI, news agencies)
