Under a directive by the Department of Food, Supplies and Consumer Affairs, consumers in Delhi must now apply for a PNG connection before being given new allocations of LPG cylinders.
The order, issued on Thursday, amends Clause 3.4 of the revised commercial LPG policy dated March 26. According to the notice, LPG will only be provided to consumers who apply for a PNG connection with Indraprastha Gas Limited in areas where there is PNG infrastructure.
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For those living in areas where there is no PNG infrastructure, they are supposed to submit a written undertaking stating that they will migrate to the PNG network once it becomes available.
Compliance checks and limited exceptions
Oil marketing companies (OMCs) have been directed to verify compliance before making deliveries. Officials said companies must collect documentation confirming that the consumer has either applied for a PNG connection or submitted an intent declaration.
The order provides a limited exception. Consumers who need LPG alongside PNG for specific operational requirements can apply to the additional commissioner. The request will be examined in consultation with OMCs.
Supply pressures behind the move
Officials linked the decision to ongoing supply disruptions triggered by the West Asia conflict, which has affected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a key route for India’s LPG imports.
India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement, making supply vulnerable to disruptions. The Centre has already prioritised domestic consumers and asked refineries to maximise production.
The latest policy aims to reduce pressure on LPG distribution by shifting bulk users to PNG, which officials say offers a more stable supply for commercial consumption.
Surge in demand, delays in delivery
Addressing a media briefing, the additional commissioner Arun Kumar Jha said that LPG bookings increased sharply during the crisis period, going from 1.5 lakh per day to almost 2 lakh. Although there has been a decline in the number of bookings, delivery periods remain long due to the backlog.
According to Jha, PNG connections witnessed a sharp spike from 684 units per day on average in February to over 2,000 per day in March and this number is expected to increase further. Furthermore, it was emphasised that consumers should apply for connections under the appropriate category in order to prevent shortages in supply.
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Enforcement and supervision intensified
Delhi police have intensified their efforts in order to check any illegal activity such as hoarding and diversion. The joint commissioner Milind Dumbere stated that 27 cases have been booked till now.
Furthermore, authorities have made personnel available at the agencies to control crowds and disruptions. Citizens have been requested to lodge complaints via hotlines. Delivery periods are likely to return to normalcy in the coming days as supply becomes consistent.
