The Center on Tuesday reportedly issued a notification informing that the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to households will be interrupted if consumers do not switch to Piped Gas (PNG) despite availability.
The order, issued on March 24, also set a deadline, requiring consumers to obtain Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections in areas where possible.
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According to news agency PTI, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has announced the Distribution of Natural Gas and Petroleum Products (Through Laying, Construction, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Regulations, 2026.
The ministry’s order came amid reports of LPG shortages amid a war between the US, Israel and Iran.
What is the deadline for switching to a PNG connection?
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry’s order states that LPG supply will “cease after three months” if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability.
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The order states “the consequences of households not requesting and obtaining a PNG connection upon notification by the authorized entity” that laid the pipeline to supply such fuel.
It said, “LPG supply to such address will be terminated after three months from the date of communication.”
What if PNG connection is not available in your area?
However, the provision allows for continuation where it is “technically impracticable” to provide a pipeline connection. In such a case, the person concerned will have to obtain a no-objection certificate from the authorities.
“The supply of LPG to a household will not stop if the authorized person issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) on the grounds that it is technically infeasible to provide gas pipeline connection or gas supply to such a household,” the order said.
The Authorized Person shall keep a record of the reasons for such technical infeasibility and shall collect the NOC as soon as he is able to ensure and operationalize gas pipeline connectivity to such household.
Why is the government pushing consumers to switch from LPG to PNG?
The ministry’s March 24 order said that “we are facing and are expected to face long-term disruptions in the supply and distribution of both LPG and natural gas due to extensive damage and suspension of liquefaction facilities in the Persian Gulf region that supply liquefied natural gas to India and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.”
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Amid conflict in the Middle East, the move is aimed at freeing up LPG supplies from areas with pipeline connectivity and diverting them to regions lacking such infrastructure. The ministry noted that such events require “fuel diversification to mitigate long-term energy security.”
Commenting on the order, Oil Minister Neeraj Mittal said in a post on X that “the crisis (was) turned into an opportunity” due to the ease of implementing trade reforms.
Government announces fast-track pipeline expansion orders
The government, through the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has notified the Distribution of Natural Gas and Petroleum Products (by Laying, Construction, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Regulations, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The order aims to speed up pipeline infrastructure by simplifying approvals, standardizing fees and securing time-limited permits.
“The order provides a simplified and time-bound framework for laying and expanding gas pipelines across the country, addresses delays in approvals and land access, and enables faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas,” the PIB report said.
Key points for consumers to know:
1. To facilitate rapid implementation, public authorities must grant right-of-way or permits within prescribed time limits, otherwise approvals will be deemed to have been granted.
2. The order also prohibits authorities from imposing fees beyond those listed. “The public entity shall not collect any tax, fee, charge, surcharge, rent, exit, development charge, annuity, compensation, entry fee or any other type of fee or financial charge other than those specified in this order for access, nor shall it require any other fees or compensation in any form,” the order states.
3. In residential areas, access control entities must grant authorization within three working days, and PNG last-mile connectivity must be provided within 48 hours. Applications for pipe connections in such areas cannot be refused.
4. The regulation further provides for intervention by designated officers with civil court-like powers to resolve land access disputes and grant rights of way where necessary.
5. Authorized entities must begin laying pipelines within four months of approval, or face penalties including possible loss of exclusivity.
6. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Authority (PNGRB) has been designated as the nodal authority to monitor the implementation, including tracking approvals, rejections and compliance.
7. In the event that the entities controlling access to the residential complex do not grant the right of way or right of use to lay pipelines to the residences for PNG supply, a notice will be issued and three months thereafter the petroleum companies will stop supplying LPG.
