Amid rising concerns over a potential shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Centre on Monday urged judicious use of the fuel and signalled a push to expand piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said domestic PNG and CNG consumers are currently receiving full supply, while commercial LPG sales have also been partially restored.
“The Government of India is making efforts, and it would be beneficial if all commercial LPG consumers shifted to PNG,” she said.
Her remarks come at a time when concerns are growing over LPG availability, particularly for commercial users, amid global supply pressures and rising demand.
Officials said shifting commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and catering services to PNG could help ease pressure on LPG supplies meant for households.
The government is also encouraging wider adoption of PNG in urban areas. Consumers can apply for PNG connections through multiple channels, including email, customer portals, call centres or by contacting the respective City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies.
CGD entities have been advised to proactively reach out to potential consumers, and several companies are offering incentives to encourage the transition.
In a push to accelerate infrastructure expansion, the Centre has written to states and Union Territories seeking faster approvals for CGD projects.
In a letter dated March 16, 2026, the government asked states to grant deemed permissions for pending pipeline applications and ensure approvals for new proposals within 24 hours.
States have also been urged to waive road restoration and permission charges imposed by local authorities, relax working hours and seasons for pipeline work, and appoint nodal officers to improve coordination and speed up implementation.
PNG, supplied through pipelines, is considered a more stable alternative to LPG cylinders in areas where infrastructure is available. The government has been expanding city gas distribution networks to widen PNG coverage.
The Centre’s push for PNG aligns with its broader strategy to improve fuel distribution and reduce dependence on LPG cylinders in the commercial segment.
While domestic LPG supply remains a priority, officials indicated that better demand management, including fuel switching in the commercial segment, will be key to avoiding disruptions.
