India's New Rules: Switch to Piped Gas or Lose Your LPG Connection

The Indian government has issued new directives to states and Union Territories to increase the use of piped natural gas (PNG) in areas where the pipeline network is already available. The move aims to reduce dependence on LPG, improve gas supply management, and make the system more secure and digital.

According to the Petroleum Ministry's directions, households that continue using LPG despite receiving a notice to shift to PNG may have their LPG connection cancelled. This means customers in areas where PNG connections have already reached households will be given a notice to take a PNG connection. If they do not take it within the given time, their existing LPG cylinder connection may be cancelled.

The new rules are linked to the LPG Control Order 2026 and the Natural Gas Distribution Order 2026. The government wants to prevent customers from keeping both LPG and PNG connections at the same time. For households that shift to PNG, the existing LPG cylinder connection will have to be surrendered.

The government is also planning a coordination system at the district level to speed up the PNG connection process. Oil distribution companies and city gas distribution agencies have been asked to set up PNG coordination committees in their respective areas. States have also been asked to appoint a district-level nodal officer from the Food and Civil Supplies Department.