New Delhi: Households located in areas where piped natural gas (PNG) pipelines are already installed or ready for supply will face discontinuation of LPG cylinders if they fail to opt for a PNG connection, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in its new directive.

The provision has been included in the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, issued on March 24 under the Essential Commodities Act.

What the Gazette notification says

As per Clause 7 of the Gazette Notification, LPG supply can be discontinued if a household does not switch to PNG despite the availability of a pipeline connection.

The notification states that if a pipeline has already been laid in a housing area and the authorised gas company informs the household to take a PNG connection, then LPG supply to that address will stop after three months if the household does not apply.

It also clearly states that LPG will continue if a PNG connection is not possible.

The notification states, “The supply of LPG to a household shall not cease if the authorised entity issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) on the ground that it is technically infeasible to provide a piped natural gas connection.”

In addition, the Gazette directs that LPG distributors and oil marketing companies must inform consumers in the affected area:

“The authorised entity shall send a copy of the communication… to all LPG distributorships… with a request to notify the residents… that supply of LPG… shall be stopped on expiry of three months from the date of the said notice.”

Why the government issued the order

Officials said the order is intended to redirect LPG supplies from areas with PNG connectivity to regions that still lack pipeline infrastructure, while promoting fuel diversification at a time of global supply uncertainty.

The directive comes amid pressure on global energy markets due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions affecting supply routes and infrastructure.

Faster approvals, strict timelines for PNG rollout

The order also seeks to speed up pipeline expansion by simplifying approvals, standardising charges, and enforcing fixed timelines. Authorities must grant permissions within the prescribed period, failing which approvals will be treated as deemed granted.

Residential complexes must allow access within three working days, and last-mile PNG connections are to be completed within 48 hours. Designated officers have been given powers similar to those of a civil court to resolve disputes related to land access and right of way for pipeline installation.

Companies authorised to lay pipelines must start work within four months of approval or face penalties, including possible withdrawal of exclusivity rights. Implementation will be monitored by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal said the reforms would help turn the current global energy challenges into an opportunity by strengthening energy security and improving ease of doing business.

No change in LPG refill rules

The ministry has clarified that LPG refill booking timelines remain unchanged, dismissing reports circulating on social media.

According to the ministry, the current refill norms continue to be 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, and citizens have been advised not to believe rumours or resort to panic booking. DeshGujarat