Households with PNG connections asked to surrender LPG cylinders
March 15, 2025: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has directed households that already have Piped Natural Gas connections to surrender their Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders. The order, issued through an amendment to the LPG Regulation of Supply and Distribution Order, 2026, also bars such consumers from taking new cylinder refills from government oil companies or their distributors. The move comes amid global fuel supply concerns linked to the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Officials said the step is intended to prevent duplication of cooking gas supply and ensure that LPG cylinders are available for households that lack access to PNG networks. Oil marketing companies have also been instructed not to issue new LPG connections or refills to consumers who already have piped gas facilities. At the same time, the government has assured that LPG supply across India remains stable despite rising demand caused by panic bookings.
Authorities said refill bookings recently surged well above the daily average due to fears of shortages, even though stocks remain adequate. The government has also advised nearly 60 lakh households located near existing piped gas infrastructure to shift to PNG connections. Officials warned that strict action will be taken against hoarding or black marketing, while supplies are being prioritised for households and essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions.