In a major policy shift amid the ongoing LPG supply concerns linked to tensions in West Asia, the Government of India has amended rules governing the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
According to the revised guidelines, households that already have a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection will no longer be allowed to retain a domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connection.
Gazette Notification Issued
The amendment was formally notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through an official gazette notification. The new rule mandates that consumers who currently possess both PNG and LPG connections must surrender their LPG connection immediately.
Under the revised provisions, such households will also not be eligible to receive LPG cylinder refills from government oil companies or their authorised distributors.
Stricter Monitoring Of LPG Distribution
The government has also introduced tighter monitoring and regulatory measures for LPG cylinder refills. Officials say the move is intended to ensure that LPG supply remains targeted towards households that genuinely depend on cylinder-based cooking fuel.
The notification states:
“No person having a piped natural gas (PNG) connection and also having a domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection.”
Move Linked To Supply Challenges
The policy change comes at a time when global energy supply chains are under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has raised concerns about LPG availability in several regions.
By restricting dual connections, the government aims to optimise LPG distribution, reduce misuse, and ensure that households without access to PNG continue to receive adequate cylinder supplies.
