As India grapples with an LPG shortage due to the war in West Asia, the government is pushing households and commercial users to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) -- a more convenient alternative that is both domestically produced and sourced through diversified supply.
New Delhi: In a move to expand gas pipeline networks and cut the dependence on a single fuel source, the government warned that cooking gas or LPG supply to households and commercial users will be discontinued, if consumers fail to switch to piped natural gas (PNG) wherever such connectivity is available.
Amid the ongoing West Asia war, LPG shortage is reported widely across India due to the supply disruption from key sources, even as authorities repeatedly insist that there is no shortage of LPG in the country. However, the government is pushing some more convenient alternative ways to meet the LPG demand in the country.
In an order, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas has aimed at accelerating pipeline infrastructure, easing approvals and promoting a shift from LPG to PNG to strengthen energy security. The order was issued on March 24, stating that LPG supply ‘shall cease after three months’ if a household does not opt for PNG despite availability. The provision, however, allows continuation where it is ‘technically infeasible’ to provide a piped connection, subject to a no-objection certificate.
Commenting on the order, oil secretary Neeraj Mittal in the post on X said: “A crisis (has been) turned into an opportunity through the ease of doing business reforms.” The order, issued under the Essential Commodities Act, seeks to fast-track pipeline infrastructure by easing approvals, standardising charges and ensuring time-bound permissions.
To facilitate rapid rollout, public authorities must grant right of way or permissions within prescribed timelines, failing which approvals will be deemed granted. The order also bars authorities from imposing charges beyond those specified. In housing areas, entities controlling access must grant permissions within three working days, and last-mile PNG connectivity is to be provided within 48 hours. Applications for pipeline connectivity in such areas cannot be rejected.
The order further provides for intervention by designated officers with powers akin to a civil court to resolve disputes over land access and grant right of way where necessary. Authorised entities must begin laying pipelines within four months of approval or face penalties, including possible loss of exclusivity.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has been designated as the nodal agency to monitor implementation, including tracking approvals, rejections and compliance. In case the right of way or right of use permission to lay pipeline to residences for supply of PNG is not granted by the entities that control access to the housing complex, a notice will be issued and three months thereafter oil marketing companies will stop supply of LPG.
Listing out consequences of households not applying for and obtaining PNG connection when notified by authorised entity that has laid a pipeline to supply such fuel, it also said that the LPG supply to such an address would cease after three months from the date of the communication. “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 or gas supply to such household,” it said.
Meanwhile, state-owned oil companies also said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country, urging citizens not to believe rumours circulating on social media or resort to panic buying. “There is no shortage of petrol or diesel and our outlets are well-stocked and fully operational,” said Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) termed reports of fuel shortages in certain areas completely unfounded, asserting there is no shortage of fuel across the nation. “India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has "adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF, with supply chains operating smoothly without any disruption,” BPCL said.
“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG across the country, with supplies remaining stable and stocks adequate. “Customers not to be misled by rumours or engage in panic buying, and to "continue with normal consumption patterns,” said Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) adding that the company is committed to ensuring an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply across its network.
The government on Wednesday said that there is no shortage of cooking gas or LPG, petrol and diesel in the country, and urged citizens not to believe rumours circulating on social media or resort to panic buying.
In a media briefing, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, said that LPG supply continues to be affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, especially due to the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, though no dry-outs have been reported and cylinder deliveries are continuing as normal.
“To ease pressure on LPG, the government is accelerating the shift to piped natural gas (PNG), with priority allocation ensuring 100 per cent supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport, while industrial and commercial users are receiving around 80 per cent of their usual supply,” she said.
“Additional allocations have been made to states, with commercial LPG supply now raised to 50 per cent in phases, prioritising sectors such as restaurants, hotels and community kitchens in the country,” she added.
On petrol and diesel Sharma further said that all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained and retail outlets are functioning normally nationwide. “Don't believe in rumours. We have adequate fuel stocks and the government is making all efforts to reach them to consumers,” she said.
“Panic buying was reported in some areas due to rumours, leading to unusually high sales and crowding at petrol pumps, even though adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps,” she said, adding that there are enough stock of petrol and diesel and there is no shortage of any retail outlet
