The government has issued a new directive mandating households to shift from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) where such connectivity is available. Under the order, LPG supply will be discontinued if consumers fail to make the switch within a specified period.
Three-month window to switch
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, aimed at expanding pipeline infrastructure and reducing dependence on LPG.
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According to the order, LPG supply "shall cease after three months" from the date of communication if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability, reported The Hindu Businessline. However, an exception has been made for cases where piped gas is not feasible. In such situations, supply will continue if a no-objection certificate (NOC) is issued.
"The supply of LPG to a household shall not cease, if the authorised entity issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) on the ground that it is technically infeasible to provide a piped natural gas connection or gas supply to such household," the order states.
Push driven by supply concerns
The move comes as India faces LPG supply constraints due to disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. Authorities are encouraging a shift to PNG, which is supplied through pipelines and does not require refill bookings.
The policy is also aimed at freeing LPG supplies from areas with existing pipeline connectivity and redirecting them to regions where such infrastructure is not available.
Faster rollout of pipeline infrastructure
The order focuses on speeding up the expansion of gas pipelines by simplifying approvals and standardising charges. Public authorities are required to grant permissions within set timelines, failing which approvals will be considered granted.
In residential complexes, permissions must be provided within three working days, and last-mile PNG connections are expected to be delivered within 48 hours.
Monitoring and enforcement
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) will oversee implementation, tracking approvals and compliance. The order also empowers designated officers to resolve disputes related to land access for pipeline installation.
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Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal described the move as "a crisis (has been) turned into an opportunity" in a post on X.
Households that do not apply for PNG despite availability may face LPG supply cuts, while authorised entities are required to maintain records in cases where connections are not technically feasible.
