The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has accelerated its drive toward a gas-based economy by enforcing the “One Household, One Gas Connection” policy. Under new regulations aimed at curbing black marketing and prioritizing resources, households with access to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure may see their traditional LPG (Indane, Bharat Gas, or HP Gas) connections disconnected.
The government is currently identifying homes using both services simultaneously to ensure that LPG cylinders are reserved for those in areas without pipeline access.
The June 30 Deadline: Transition or Lose Supply
Following the “Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026,” households located in areas where PNG infrastructure is fully operational have been given a 90-day window to make the switch. This timeline, which began in March, is set to expire on June 30, 2026. Authorities have clarified that LPG supply will cease for households that refuse to transition despite having a functional pipeline network available in their residential area. To support this massive shift, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has also been extended until the end of June.
Restrictions on Refills and New Connections
For consumers under the coverage of city gas giants like IGL, MGL, and GAIL, the rules are now clear: if you have a PNG connection, you are prohibited from applying for new LPG connections or requesting refills from government-backed oil marketing companies (OMCs). Additionally, the ministry has advised gas distribution companies to prioritize PNG for commercial establishments—such as hotels and restaurants—to alleviate the pressure on commercial LPG availability.
How to Switch: Steps to Apply for a PNG Connection
Applying for a PNG connection has been streamlined through online portals of local distributors. To apply, follow these steps:
- Visit the Website: Go to the official site of your local provider (e.g., IGL for Delhi/NCR, MGL for Mumbai).
- Register: Select the ‘New PNG Connection’ option and fill in personal details including your Aadhaar number.
- Submit Documents: Upload proof of identity (Aadhaar/PAN), address proof (Electricity bill), and ownership proof (Sale deed/Society letter).
- Payment: Pay the registration or installation fee to receive a unique Business Partner (BP) Number.
- Installation: Following a site inspection, the distributor will install the pipeline, meter, and valves directly in your kitchen.
