NEW DELHI: Households in piped natural gas (PNG) areas now face a three-month deadline to switch from cylinders to LPG, the Center announced on Wednesday. The move tightens fuel supplies amid a war in West Asia.
Municipal Natural Gas Distribution (CGD) operators will notify eligible consumers and LPG supplies will cease if connections are not made, except where technical constraints prevent PNG access. The period starts when the relevant CGD entity in the area informs the household by registered mail that it can switch from LPG to PNG.
At a press conference, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Marketing and Petroleum Refinery, Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the move was “in the interest of the nation for households to switch from LPG to PNG”, citing higher domestic availability of natural gas and more sources of imports.
The move targets about 6 million households that the government says can make the transition easy.
The move comes as about 90% of India’s LPG imports from West Asia through the Strait of Hormuz are affected by the ongoing conflict and blockades.
The government has also issued a simplified framework under the Basic Commodities Act to speed up PNG pipeline approvals and infrastructure rollout. Sharma noted that households will not lose LPG supply where PNG connection is technically unfeasible.
Sharma reiterated that “no drying up has been reported at LPG distributors and domestic LPG cylinder supply continues as normal. She also noted that petrol and diesel are sufficiently available across the country despite isolated panic buying.”
In a related move, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed hotels and restaurants to stop charging consumers additional charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” or “fuel cost reimbursement”. This notice follows complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline that such charges are added by default on top of menu prices and taxes.
Amid the low availability of commercial LPG cylinders and the recent increase in prices by approx ₹115, several hotels and restaurants reportedly added additional charges to customers’ bills.
“This recommendation signals a broader push by the government to standardize pricing practices and prevent hidden charges in consumer-facing sectors. It also reinforces the principle that the quoted price should reflect the total cost of goods and services, excluding statutory taxes, thereby improving price transparency and consumer confidence,” said Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer Voice, a consumer advocacy group.
