India Pushes States to Speed Up PNG Adoption Amid LPG Supply Chain Disruptions

The Indian Petroleum Ministry has requested states and Union Territories to provide district-level administrative support for accelerating the shift of households from LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) to PNG (Piped Natural Gas). This push follows the disruption to India's LPG supply chains during the West Asia crisis earlier this year. The ministry seeks to promote faster PNG adoption, citing its commitment to expanding city-gas infrastructure and reducing the country's dependence on imported LPG.

The Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal stated that PNG brings a safer, cleaner, and more efficient cooking fuel, playing a critical role in advancing India's energy transition objectives. The ministry has directed authorized city gas distribution (CGD) entities and public-sector oil marketing companies to establish a PNG Coordination Committee (PCC) in every geographical area.

The PCC mechanism is already operational but its experience shows that district-level administrative support is crucial for implementing the transition within prescribed timelines. The district administration will be expected to help secure right of way or right of use from RWAs and housing societies, facilitate the transition between LPG distributors and CGD entities, support consumer outreach and verification, and resolve consumer grievances.