LPG vs PNG: India is reeling from concerns over cooking gas as conflict in the Middle East over the US-Iran war intensifies. Conversations about the kitchen have ranged from living rooms to public places, with concerns over whether India has an adequate supply of LPG cylinders.
Earlier this week, the government directed domestic LPG cylinder users to switch to PNG connections wherever connections are available. No person having a PNG connection shall obtain a domestic LPG connection or take domestic LPG cylinder refills from or through any government oil company.
If anyone receives a notice to switch to PNG, they will have 90 days to do so. After that, their LPG connection will be cancelled.
LPG vs PNG: Answers to key questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about LPG and PNG and why the government is asking Indians to switch.
What is LPG?
LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas is a widely used cooking gas in India. It consists mainly of propane and butane and comes in liquid form in bottles. There are two types of LPG cylinders — domestic (14.2 kg) and commercial (19 kg).
What is PNG?
PNG stands for Piped Natural Gas and consists mainly of methane gas (CH4) and other higher hydrocarbons in small percentages. It is supplied by pipeline to many parts of the country. However, not all parts of India have PNG connectivity.
What are the differences between LPG and PNG?
LPG is supplied in liquid form in cylinders, while PNG is supplied by pipeline. There is also a significant difference in the way gases are produced. LPG is produced in the oil refining process or is obtained in the processing of natural gas. On the other hand, PNG is extracted from oil/gas wells and transported through a network of pipelines.
What new rule has the government announced?
In an order issued on March 24, the center said LPG supply would “stop after three months” if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability. However, the provision allows for continuation where it is “technically impracticable” to provide a pipeline connection, subject to a no-objection certificate.
Why is the government asking Indians to switch from LPG to PNG?
The Center is asking Indians to switch from LPG to PNG amid the Middle East crisis arising from the US-Iran war and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. India imports most of its LPG and much of it comes through the Strait of Hormuz, putting pressure on cooking gas supplies. Switching to PNG reduces the load on the LPG and lowers the pressure.
What happens if I don’t switch from LPG to PNG?
If your area has a PNG connection but you don’t switch from LPG, there will be consequences. The supply of LPG cylinders will stop after 90 days from the notification to switch to PNG connection. However, if your area does not have a PNG connection, you need to get a NOC from the authorities to continue receiving LPG cylinders.
How much LPG does India have?
India has about 60 days of crude oil reserves and has secured one full month’s supply of LPG, the government said on March 26. The Petroleum Ministry said 800,000 tonnes of LPG cargo has been secured and one full month’s supply is firmly secured.
