The Indian government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act to expedite the laying of gas pipelines across the country. This move aims to reduce the country's over-dependence on imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and promote the use of natural gas as a cleaner fuel.
The new legal framework makes it mandatory for landowners to grant 'right of way' for the laying of gas pipelines, addressing issues such as denial of access to land, delay in approvals, and high fees. The order applies to both private and government landowners, including housing societies.
The notification, titled the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, comes into immediate effect. It establishes a comprehensive, transparent, and investor-friendly framework for efficient gas distribution, rapid infrastructure expansion, and equitable access to cleaner energy.
The reform is designed to improve ease of doing business by simplifying procedures, reducing regulatory bottlenecks, and creating a predictable and transparent operating environment for stakeholders. Key features of the order include a uniform framework for laying, building, operating, and expanding pipeline infrastructure, standardized processes and timelines, and time-bound approvals.
The policy aims to accelerate the rollout of city gas distribution (CGD) networks and trunk pipelines, reduce excessive dependence on scarce LPG, and promote the use of natural gas for cooking, transport, and industrial purposes. This will contribute to improved air quality, lower emissions, and reliable and affordable energy supply.
