Households with piped cooking gas can't have subsidized LPG connections
What's the story
The Indian government has prohibited households with piped natural gas (PNG) connections from retaining or getting subsidized domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections. The decision was announced yesterday when the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. The amendment makes it mandatory for consumers with PNG connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections immediately.
Supply focus
Prioritizing LPG supplies for households without piped gas access
The move is aimed at prioritizing LPG supplies for households without piped gas access. India imports a large portion of its energy needs, including 88% of crude oil and 60% of LPG. The US-Israel strikes on Iran have disrupted these supplies by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, India's main transit route for Gulf energy supplies.
Rollout acceleration
Speeding up conversion of households to domestic PNG
In light of these disruptions, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has asked city gas distribution companies to speed up the conversion of households to domestic PNG. The regulator emphasized that this would help ease pressure on LPG supply chains. As of January 31, 2026, there are around 1.65 crore PNG connections in India with over one crore active users.
Infrastructure growth
Expanding PNG infrastructure and reducing approval times
The PNGRB has also asked CGD companies to expand PNG infrastructure and reduce the time between application and gas supply commencement. It stressed that closer coordination with local authorities is key for faster approvals. Expanding PNG coverage will support India's energy transition by providing cleaner fuels amid global geopolitical disruptions.