Households in areas with PNG connectivity may lose LPG supply within three months if they fail to switch, as per a new government order aimed at boosting pipeline gas usage and managing fuel supply efficiently.
The order is aimed at encouraging a transition to cleaner and more efficient fuel systems.
New Delhi: In a significant policy move, the government has directed that LPG supply to households will be discontinued within three months in areas where piped natural gas (PNG) connectivity is available but not adopted. The order is aimed at encouraging a transition to cleaner and more efficient fuel systems.
The directive comes under a broader effort to strengthen the country’s gas infrastructure. Authorities are pushing for wider adoption of PNG, which is supplied directly through pipelines and removes the need for cylinder refills. The move is expected to accelerate the expansion of pipeline networks across urban areas.
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The new rule has been notified under the Essential Commodities Act as part of the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026. It also seeks to streamline approvals for pipeline projects and ensure faster implementation by simplifying regulatory procedures.
The government has clarified that LPG supply may continue in cases where PNG connections are not technically feasible. In such situations, households will need to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the authorised agency to continue receiving LPG cylinders.
One of the key objectives behind the move is to free up LPG supplies for regions where pipeline infrastructure is not yet available. By shifting eligible households to PNG, authorities aim to optimise fuel distribution and improve access in underserved areas.
The decision also comes amid ongoing global supply challenges, partly influenced by disruptions in key energy routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. These disruptions have highlighted the need for diversified and stable domestic energy sources.
To support the transition, public authorities have been instructed to grant permissions, including right of way for pipeline projects, within a fixed timeline. If approvals are delayed, they may be considered automatically granted, ensuring faster rollout of infrastructure.
