The government has announced that households with access to piped natural gas (PNG) will have to switch from LPG, or risk losing their cooking gas supply.
The move is part of a broader push to expand gas pipeline networks and reduce dependence on a single fuel, even as authorities insist there is no shortage of LPG in the country.
The ministry of petroleum and natural gas has issued a new order stating that LPG supply "shall cease after three months" if a household does not opt for PNG despite it being available.
However, the LPG supply will continue if it is "technically infeasible" to provide a piped connection, provided a no-objection certificate (NOC) is issued.
The government says the idea is to redirect LPG supplies from areas with pipeline connectivity to regions that still lack such infrastructure, while also promoting "fuel diversification" at a time of global supply disruptions.
The directive is part of the natural gas and petroleum products distribution order, 2026, issued on March 24 under the Essential Commodities Act.
It seeks to speed up pipeline rollout by simplifying approvals, standardising charges and enforcing strict timelines.
Authorities have been told to grant permissions within set deadlines, failing which approvals will be treated as deemed granted.
The order also empowers designated officers, with powers similar to a civil court, to resolve disputes over land access and ensure right of way for pipeline installation.
