LPG Rules Changed: The Indian government is gearing up to significantly boost the adoption of PNG (Piped Natural Gas) for household cooking, moving away from LPG cylinders. The Petroleum Ministry has requested that all states and union territories offer administrative assistance at the district level to maximize the number of homes connected to piped gas in regions where PNG is accessible. To facilitate this, a nodal officer has been designated in each district to collaborate with gas distribution and oil companies to promote this shift. The government views PNG as a relatively safe, clean, and convenient energy source. Its implementation will also lessen the reliance on long-distance transportation of LPG cylinders. Let’s delve into the specifics.

In a letter addressed to state chief secretaries on August 21, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal emphasized that PNG could significantly contribute to India’s energy transition. Expanding its use would alleviate the logistical challenges tied to LPG distribution and enhance the efficiency of the existing City Gas Distribution (CGD) infrastructure. The government has instructed district administrations to foster collaboration between PNG providers and LPG distributors, resolve consumer issues, and speed up the process for new connections.

The recent crisis in West Asia is thought to be a key factor driving the government’s initiative. This year, India’s LPG supply chain faced considerable strain during the crisis. A large portion of India’s LPG is imported, with essential supplies coming from countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, much of which passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in these supplies could affect LPG availability in India. During that period, the government prioritized LPG supplies for domestic users, which temporarily impacted commercial and industrial customers.

In contrast, domestic PNG supplies proved to be more resilient during the crisis. These supplies, which prioritize domestically produced natural gas, were not as heavily affected as imported LPG and LNG. This situation prompted the government to consider expanding the domestic LPG piped network to enhance the country’s energy security. Such an expansion could provide a more stable supply to domestic consumers during international crises or disruptions in sea routes.

The government has enacted a new Gas Distribution and LPG Control Order of 2026, which prohibits the possession of both LPG and PNG connections in areas where PNG is accessible. The regulations also permit the disconnection of LPG supply to households that fail to apply for a PNG connection after receiving notice. However, this rule is applicable only in regions where PNG networks exist.

To facilitate this transition, a PCC (PNG Coordination Committee) will be established in each geographic area. This committee will identify residences and housing societies eligible for PNG connections. It will also notify residents, run awareness campaigns, and streamline the connection process. The district administration will help secure necessary permissions from RWAs and housing societies for pipeline installation, and will coordinate efforts between LPG distributors and PNG companies.

The Petroleum Ministry has requested states to appoint a nodal officer from their Food and Civil Supplies Department at the district level, ideally at the District Supply Officer level. This officer will oversee the expansion of PNG in collaboration with the PCC. The government’s objective is clear: to gradually shift households from LPG cylinders to PNG where piped gas is available, thereby making India’s cooking gas system more secure, convenient, and resilient against energy crises.