LPG Connection: Big news for LPG consumers. During the Middle East war-induced LPG shortage crisis, the government in the country took various measures to combat gas black marketing and ensure adequate supply for those in need. One of these steps involved implementing a regulation that required a transition from LPG to PNG, with a 90-day transition period.
In March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas introduced a new directive named the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026. This regulation specified that households could not possess both LPG and PNG connections simultaneously.
To alleviate pressure on the nation’s energy import expenses, reduce reliance on imported LPG, and promote the adoption of cleaner, domestically sourced pipeline fuel, the government prohibited dual connections and granted LPG users a 90-day timeframe, commencing in March 2026, to switch to PNG once pipeline infrastructure became accessible in their vicinity.
Consequences of not transitioning to PNG
– If you have received a notification from your local post office or a 90-day deadline to switch to PNG but fail to do so, your LPG supply may be discontinued as per the government’s March directive.
– Using both PNG and LPG connections concurrently is now forbidden. Individuals with a PNG connection must surrender their LPG connection.
In scenarios where PNG infrastructure is not yet available in your region, your LPG supply will remain unaffected until PNG service becomes accessible. Oil companies’ perspectives:
HPCL, the distributor of HP gas, is advocating for the switch to HP gas, emphasizing the advantages of PNG connections in terms of convenience, reliability, and daily life ease.
– Indian Oil, which produces Indane gas, supports the Oil Ministry’s stance, asserting that PNG is a cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly cooking alternative.
Post June 30, nearly one lakh households nationwide have relinquished their LPG connections and transitioned to PNG. Since March 2026, 10.02 lakh PNG connections have been established, with infrastructure in place for an additional 3.22 lakh connections, totaling 13.24 lakh connections. Nearly 9.94 lakh customers have registered for new connections.
Maharashtra’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, urged residents in the state to act promptly, advising those in areas with available pipeline gas to apply before June 30th.
Actions to take
– Confirm PNG availability in your location and promptly contact your gas provider to make the switch.
– Submit required documentation, such as a government-issued ID and proof of address, to initiate the PNG application process if you reside in a covered area.
– Apply for PNG either online or at a nearby distribution center if the infrastructure is established, and start the process of surrendering your LPG connection.
– Ensure your registered mobile number is up to date with your distributor and verified under the Update Delivery Authentication Code system.
HPCL and Indian Oil advice
HPCL has told consumers that PNG is a “convenient and seamless” energy solution. Indian Oil, too, shared the Petroleum Ministry’s message, calling PNG a clean and green fuel.