Government Pushes for Piped Natural Gas: LPG Supply to Households at Risk

In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has announced that households must transition from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) where available, or risk losing their LPG supply. This move aims to bolster energy security amid ongoing shortages caused by international disruptions. The new directive, effective from March 24, allows for a three-month grace period for households to make the switch, with exceptions for areas where piped connections are not feasible. The initiative is part of broader reforms to improve the gas network and reduce reliance on a single fuel source.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 22:13 IST

New Directive on Cooking Gas Supply

New Delhi: A new government directive has been issued stating that households will lose their cooking gas LPG supply if they do not transition to piped natural gas (PNG) where it is available. This initiative aims to enhance the gas network and reduce dependency on a single fuel source. With the ongoing LPG shortages caused by disruptions in West Asia, the government is encouraging both residential and commercial users to adopt PNG, which is a more reliable and locally sourced alternative. PNG is delivered directly to kitchens via pipelines, removing the hassle of ordering refills.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has introduced the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, which is designed to expedite the development of pipeline infrastructure, simplify approval processes, and facilitate the transition from LPG to PNG, thereby enhancing energy security.

According to the order issued on March 24, LPG supply will be terminated after three months if a household does not switch to PNG when it is accessible. However, exceptions will be made where it is technically unfeasible to provide a piped connection, pending a no-objection certificate. Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal remarked on social media that this situation has transformed a crisis into an opportunity through reforms aimed at improving the business environment.