LPG or PNG? New Rule to Come Into Effect From July 1 — Know the rest

LPG, PNG July Rules: Domestic and commercial cylinders, cooking gas, and LPG and PNG connections have been a hot topic in the country for the last two months. Since the onset of the Iran-US war and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, the LPG crisis has intensified. In response, the central government has revised the regulations concerning LPG connections to offer relief to the public. One significant change is the updated no-dual connection rule.

Under the new guidelines, Indians will now be allowed to have either an LPG or PNG connection in their kitchens. If you possess both, you will need to give up one. If you do not comply, one connection will be automatically suspended by June 30th, rendering it inoperable from July 1st. It is advisable to surrender one gas connection sooner rather than later to avoid complications.

Purpose of the No Dual Gas Connection Rule

Indane Gas, Bharat Gas, and HP Gas, the three major oil companies, have enforced a “no dual gas connection” policy for LPG connections. This regulation was put in place by the central government to combat the black market for cooking gas and to encourage the use of safe fuel across the nation. All three companies have made it clear that anyone caught fraudulently holding both gas connections will face legal consequences.

What is the ‘No Dual Gas Connection’ Rule?

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) has been introduced in major cities and communities throughout the country. This type of connection is considered safer, more economical, and more convenient than traditional cylinder connections. Millions have opted for PNG connections, yet many still keep LPG connections as a backup. This situation is placing an additional strain on the government due to the dual gas supply. Moreover, the existence of two connections is leading to gas wastage, and there has been a noticeable rise in the black market for gas cylinders.

The central government has mandated that having and maintaining two different types of gas connections at the same address is illegal. Due to the recent LPG crisis, the government took strict action, and companies began identifying customers with two connections. A list was compiled and customers were given an ultimatum: surrender one connection, or both would be blocked. They would then have to obtain a new connection.

What is the procedure to surrender gas connection?

Surrendering one of your LPG or PNG connections will save you from blockages and penalties. To do this, you’ll need to visit your gas agency, fill out a “Collection Surrender” form, and return the empty or filled cylinder and regulator. In return, the gas agency will issue you a “Surrender Certificate.” The security deposit you made when purchasing the gas connection will be transferred to your account.