The central government is pushing households to switch from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas where pipelines exist. The Petroleum Ministry has asked all states and union territories to speed up PNG expansion at the district level. The move aims to strengthen India’s energy security and cut the logistics burden of LPG distribution.
Petroleum Secretary Writes to Chief Secretaries
Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal sent a letter to chief secretaries of all states on August 21. He said PNG can play a key role in India’s energy transition. Expanding the network will reduce the logistics load of LPG distribution. It will also put ready City Gas Distribution infrastructure to better use.
West Asia Crisis Drove the Shift
This year’s crisis in West Asia is seen as a major reason behind the move. India’s LPG supply chain came under pressure during the turmoil. India imports a large share of its LPG from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait. Much of this supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption can hit the country hard.
PNG Stayed Strong During the Crisis
Domestic PNG supply remained far more stable during the crisis. Household PNG gets priority supply from natural gas produced in India. Imported LPG and LNG did not enjoy this advantage. The experience pushed the government to expand piped gas for kitchens.
New Rules Restrict Dual Connections
The 2026 gas distribution and LPG control orders restrict dual connections where PNG is available. Homes that ignore notices and skip PNG applications can face a stop in LPG supply. This action applies only to areas where the PNG network exists.
Committees and Nodal Officers to Drive Expansion
A PNG Coordination Committee will be set up in every area. It will identify homes and housing societies that can get PNG connections. The panel will issue notices, run awareness drives and speed up connections. District administrations will help secure pipeline-laying permissions from housing societies and resident welfare associations.
Nodal Officer to Monitor Progress
The ministry has asked states to appoint a nodal officer from the Food and Civil Supplies Department at the district supply officer level or above. This officer will monitor PNG expansion along with the committee. The goal is to slowly move homes from LPG cylinders to PNG wherever piped gas is available.
