Government Mandates Shift to PNG in Areas with Pipeline Access; LPG Supply to Be Phased Out Within Three Months

The government has made it mandatory for households to opt for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in areas where the pipeline infrastructure has already been laid and is readily accessible.

As part of the policy decision, the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders will be discontinued in such locations within the next three months.

Officials stated that the move aims to streamline the distribution of cooking fuel and reduce congestion at LPG cylinder agencies, which have been witnessing a heavy consumer rush due to rising demand.

The government believes that encouraging a transition to PNG, wherever feasible, will help ease logistical pressure and ensure a more efficient and reliable fuel supply system.

Despite reports of increased demand, the government has maintained that there is no shortage of LPG cylinders, petrol, or diesel in the country.

Authorities have urged consumers not to indulge in panic buying, assuring that adequate stocks of petroleum products are available and supply chains remain stable.

According to sources, households located in areas where PNG infrastructure is operational must apply for PNG connections within the stipulated three-month period.

After this deadline, LPG supply in such areas will be discontinued. Consumers who wish to retain LPG connections will be required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC), subject to eligibility criteria.

In an official statement, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, reassured the public that all refineries across the country are operating at full capacity and are capable of meeting the nation’s energy requirements.

She emphasized that there is no need for concern regarding the availability of LPG or other petroleum products and encouraged citizens to avoid unnecessary stockpiling.

The ministry highlighted that public response to PNG connections has been encouraging.

In the recent past, approximately 2.5 lakh new PNG connections have been taken, of which nearly 2.2 lakh consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG, reflecting a growing preference for piped gas due to its convenience and continuous supply.

Additionally, about 2.2 lakh PNG applications are currently pending with various gas distribution agencies and are expected to be processed soon.

Meanwhile, authorities have intensified enforcement measures to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders and petroleum products.

Raids were conducted at nearly 2,700 locations across the country, resulting in the seizure of around 2,000 LPG cylinders.

Sources further indicated that the government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability across the country, including in remote regions.

As part of ongoing supply efforts, two LPG cargo ships carrying approximately 92,000 metric tonnes of LPG are expected to arrive in India later this week, further strengthening domestic supply.

The initiative to promote PNG is expected to reduce dependency on LPG cylinders in areas where pipeline connectivity is available, offering consumers a safer, continuous, and more convenient cooking fuel option while improving overall energy distribution efficiency.